How to Find the General Element of (AB)^T for (AB)^T [AB transposed]

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the general element of the transpose of the product of two matrices, specifically (AB)^T, where A and B are defined in terms of their elements aij and bij. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their approach and seeks clarification on the correct formulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the general element of (AB)^T using matrix multiplication properties and expresses uncertainty about their solution. Other participants suggest considering the properties of transposes and the structure of matrix multiplication to clarify the original poster's reasoning.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the matrix operations involved. Some participants provide alternative formulations and question the correctness of the original poster's approach, while others express agreement with differing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the textbook being used does not cover element-by-element proofs, which may contribute to the confusion. There is also mention of the need for self-study resources to better understand the concepts being discussed.

qwerty5
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Homework Statement


Write the general element in terms of aij and bij for (AB)^T [AB transposed].


Homework Equations



(AB)^T = B^T*A^T; A=[aij]mxn; B=[bij]nxp

The Attempt at a Solution


n
AB= [sigma aik*bkj]mxp. Let this be equal to [xij]mxp
k=1
n
(AB)^T=[[sigma aik*bkj]mxp]^T
k=1

=[xji]pxm

n
=[sigma aki*bjk]mxp
k=1
n
so the general element xji=[sigma aki*bjk]
k=1


My teacher says this is wrong. Where did I go wrong?


------------------------
Alternate way I used to "check" my wrong answer:
n
(AB)^T=B^T*A^T=[bji]pxn[aji]nxm=[sigma bjk*aki]pxm=[sigma aki*bjk]pxm
k=1


We are using an differential equations/linear algebra textbook for engineers. It never discusses element-by-element proofs, and it leaves out many important differential equations topics, such as exact equations. I have a real diff eq book that my neighbor lent me, but I have to teach myself these types of problems through Wikipedia.
 
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I'm really not certain what all that stuff that's not in LaTeX is, but consider this:

If A = \{a_{ij} \} then you know that 1) A^T = \{ a_{ji} \}
and you also know that 2) (AB)^T = B^T A^T.

Now if B = \{ b_{jk} \} (where I've used the index "j" again since I know that j will iterate B in precisely the same manner as A for AB to make sense) you can write the matrix AB as AB = \displaystyle \left\{ a_{ij} b_{jk} \right\}. Now let's say, that without being too rigorous, you were to apply the operations from 1) and 2) to this sum, what would you get?
 
[bkj][aij] ?
 
So I let A={a_{}ij} and B={b_{}ij}.

Then I know that A^{}T={a_{}ji} and B^{}T={a_{}ji}.

A typical element of the product B^{}TA^{}T={b_{}jia_{}ji}.

However, B^{}TA^{}T={\Sigma^{}n_{}k=1b_{}jka_{}kj}.


Is this correct?
 
So I let A={a_{}ij} and B={b_{}ij}.

Then I know that A^{}T={a_{}ji} and B^{}T={a_{}ji}.

A typical element of the product B^{}TA^{}T={b_{}jia_{}ji}.

The sum would therefore be: B^{}TA^{}T={\Sigmab_{}jka_{}ki} from k=1 to n.

Is this correct?
 
Max, I think we are both right.

What did the professor get?
 

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