Find (AB)^-1 with Given Matrices | Inverse of 2x2 Matrices

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The discussion centers on finding the inverse of the product of two 2x2 matrices, A and B, using the formula (AB)^{-1} = B^{-1}A^{-1}. A participant presents their calculated result for (AB)^{-1} but finds a discrepancy with the textbook answer. Clarifications reveal that if a specific entry in B^{-1} is corrected, the textbook answer aligns with the participant's calculations. Additionally, some participants suggest that calculating AB first before finding the inverse may be a more straightforward approach. The conversation highlights the importance of accuracy in matrix entries and the potential for typos in textbooks.
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Homework Statement



Use the given matrices to find (AB)^-1

(These are 2 X 2 matrices, please ignore the fraction bar in between the top and bottom elements. I can't figure this stupid latex piece of crap out)

A^{-1} = \left(\frac{\frac{1}{2}}{\frac{-1}{2}} \ldots \frac{\frac{-5}{2}}{\frac{3}{2}}\right)

B^{-1} = \left(\frac{\frac{2}{3}}{\frac{-1}{3}} \ldots \frac{\frac{4}{3}}{\frac{5}{2}}\right)

Homework Equations



Only the one for inverse matrices which states,

(AB)^{-1} = B^{-1}A^{-1}

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer I get in the end is:

(AB)^{-1} = \left(\frac{\frac{-1}{3}}{\frac{-17}{12}} \ldots \frac{\frac{1}{3}}{\frac{55}{12}}\right)

But the book gets,

(AB)^{-1} = \left(\frac{\frac{-1}{3}}{-1} \ldots \frac{\frac{1}{3}}{\frac{10}{3}}\right)

Am I the one doing something wrong, or is the book wrong?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
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If you copied the matrices correctly, your answer is correct.
If the 5/2 in (2,2)-entry of B^{-1} is supposed to be 5/3 then the book is correct.

By the way, click the formula to see the LaTeX code:
<br /> A^{-1} = \begin{pmatrix} \frac{1}{2} &amp; -\frac52 \\ \-\frac{1}{2} &amp; \frac{3}{2} \end{pmatrix} = <br /> \frac12 \begin{pmatrix} <br /> 1 &amp; -5 \\ <br /> -1 &amp; 3<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br />
 
Nope, the book says what I wrote. I'm not surprised though; I've found several typos in the questions in this particular textbook...

Thanks a lot for the clarification, I thought maybe I was missing some obscure rule :p.

Also, thanks for showing how to use the LaTex code properly :)
 
Ownaginatious;2156299[h2 said:
Homework Equations[/h2]

Only the one for inverse matrices which states,

(AB)^{-1} = B^{-1}A^{-1}

I find it a lot more easy to calculate AB first,then the inverse...

just a tip,since the main question was already answered
 
theallknower said:
I find it a lot more easy to calculate AB first,then the inverse...

just a tip,since the main question was already answered
In this case your approach would take longer, because you first have to calculate A and B from their inverses, then multiply them and finally take the inverse of that, while just multiplying the two given matrices in the correct order gives you the right answer immediately.
 
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