How to Simplify an Expression with Invertible Matrices?

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Homework Statement


For the invertible matrices A, B and A-B, simplify the expression (A - B)^{-1}A(A^{-1} - B^{-1})B.


Homework Equations


properties of invertible matrices


The Attempt at a Solution


(A - B)^{-1}A(A^{-1} - B^{-1})B
= (A - B)^{-1}(AA^{-1}B - AB^{-1}B)
= (A - B)^{-1}(IB - AI)
= (A - B)^{-1}(B - A)
= I

Am I correct?
 
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Almost. The last step isn't quite correct.
 
Verrrry close. Check your last step.
 
So it just ends here?

(A - B)^{-1}(B - A)
 
No, you can simplify it. Consider this. Let C=B-A. Then C-1=(B-A)-1, but in your expression, you have (A-B)-1, which isn't the same matrix.
 
vela said:
No, you can simplify it. Consider this. Let C=B-A. Then C-1=(B-A)-1, but in your expression, you have (A-B)-1, which isn't the same matrix.

Ok, so then the answer is:

-I ?
 
:approve:
 
Thanks
 
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