Existance of a matrix that satisfies a condition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of a matrix C that satisfies the equation AC=I, where A is a 2x3 matrix and I is the 3x3 identity matrix. Participants are exploring the implications of matrix dimensions and the concept of matrix inverses in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the dimensionality of matrix C and the conditions under which a non-square matrix might have a right or left inverse. There are attempts to set up systems of equations based on the matrix multiplication and to analyze the relationships between the rows and columns of the matrices involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants questioning the original assumptions about matrix inverses and exploring the implications of linear combinations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the setup of equations, but there is no explicit consensus on the existence of matrix C.

Contextual Notes

There is a recognition that the original poster may have misunderstood the relationship between matrix multiplication and inverses, and that the problem may involve more complex linear algebra concepts. The discussion also hints at the potential for multiple interpretations of the problem.

fluidistic
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Homework Statement


A=(2 3, 1 2, 2 5) where the coma separates the rows of the matrix.
Does there exist a matric C such that AC=I? Where I is the 3x3 identity matrix.
2. The attempt at a solution
No. First I note that if it exists then C is a 2x3 matrix. I also note that if AC=I, then C is the inverse of A. But as A is not a square matrix, it doesn't have an inverse, so C cannot exist.
Am I right?
 
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Not exactly.
2 3
1 2
2 5
C should be 2x3, i.e of the form:
a b c
d e f

so you need to solve the system of equations:
2a+3d=1
2b+3e=0
2c+3f=0
2a+3d=0
b+2c=1
c+2f=0
2a+5d=0
2b+5e=0
2c+5f=1

I don't know if the answer is affirmative or not, you need to solve these equations, in general it's possible that even a non square matrix will have a right reciprocal or left one, and both of them need not be the same necessarily.
 
You could also note that your product looks like column(v1,v2,v3)*row(w1,w2,w3) where the v's (rows) and w's (columns) are 2-vectors. You know one of the v's can be written as a linear combination of the other two, say v3=a*v1+b*v2. You want v3.w3=1. What do other matrix entries in the product AC tell you about v1.w3 and v2.w3?
 
Last edited:
Ok I think I know where I made an error, it was there :" I also note that if AC=I, then C is the inverse of A."
I'm not really used to linear combinations so I don't get all what you said Dick, but very soon I'll be in it.
Doing the method of loop quantum gravity, I realized from the beginning that the system has no solution.
Thanks both for your help.
 

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