Finding the 3x3 Matrix X for XA=B: A Scientist's Perspective

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    3x3 Matrix
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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a 3x3 matrix X such that XA=B, where A and B are given matrices. The participants express confusion regarding the difference between the operations AX=B and XA=B, particularly in how to approach the problem without using matrix inverses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of multiplying a row vector by matrix A and question whether this leads to finding individual rows of matrix X. There is uncertainty about how to proceed after obtaining expressions from the multiplication.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress by transposing both sides of the equation, leading to a clearer understanding of how to derive the columns of X. However, there are still concerns about the accuracy of their augmented matrix and the results obtained from row operations. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the professor has not covered matrix inverses yet, which influences their approach to the problem. There is also mention of a specific solution that seems to contradict their calculations, raising questions about the correctness of their methods.

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Homework Statement

Find the 3x3 matrix X such that XA=B, where

Code:
      1 1  1
A=   -1 0 -2
      1 0 -1

      1 3  0
B=   -2 1 -2
      1 4 -1

The attempt at a solution

I understand how to do AX=B just fine, but XA=B is confusing me. I tried doing [x y z] A, but not sure if that's even right or what to do after that. Yes, I know it can be solved using inverses or whatever, but the professor does not want us to solve it that way (haven't gone over inverses yet).

The solution for X such that AX=B involved finding individual columns, so does that mean XA=B will find the individual rows?

Any help is appreciated!
 
Last edited:
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hogrampage said:
Homework Statement

Find the 3x3 matrix X such that XA=B, where

Code:
      1 1  1
A=   -1 0 -2
      1 0 -1

      1 3  0
B=   -2 1 -2
      1 4 -1

The attempt at a solution

I understand how to do AX=B just fine, but XA=B is confusing me. I tried doing [x y z] A, but not sure if that's even right or what to do after that. Yes, I know it can be solved using inverses or whatever, but the professor does not want us to solve it that way (haven't learned gone over inverses yet).

The solution for X such that AX=B involved finding individual columns, so does that mean XA=B will find the individual rows?

Any help is appreciated!

Yes, find the individual rows of X. How would you do it?

ehild
 
If I multiply

\begin{array}{cccc}
1 & 1 & 1 \\
-1 & 0 & -2 \\
1 & 0 & -1 \\
\end{array}

by
\begin{array}{cccc}
x & y & z
\end{array}

I get

\begin{array}{cccc}
(x-y+z) & (x) & (x-2y-z) \\
\end{array}

That's where I get stuck. I don't know what to do with it. Would I transpose it to this?:\begin{array}{cccc}
(x-y+z) \\
(x) \\
(x-2y-z) \\
\end{array}
 
Transpose both sides.
 
Okay, I transposed both sides and I see how to get each column of X now. I think I get it :). Here's my augmented matrix:

\begin{array}{cccc}
1 & 0 & 0 | & 3 & 1 & 4 \\
0 & 1 & 3 | & 1 & 0 & 2 \\
0 & 0 & -4 | & 1 & 3 & 1 \\
\end{array}

The last row seems wrong because of the -4, but if I change it to a 1 using row operations, then the answer is wrong. The correct answer is:

\begin{array}{cccc}
3 & 1 & 1 \\
1 & 0 & 3 \\
4 & 2 & 1\\
\end{array}
 
Last edited:
Edit: another way to solve this is to multiply both sides by ##A^{-1}## from the right.

Sorry, it seems that I almost forgot one property of matrix inverse :)
 
Last edited:

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