Inner automorphism proof question

[wakko101]

Homework Statement

Let G = GL(2, R). Define P : G to G by P(A) = The inverse of the transpose of A (ie. ((A)tr)^-1). P is an automorphism of G, prove that P is not an inner automorphism of G. That is, prove that there does not exist a fixed matrix B in G such that P(A) = BAB^-1 for all A in G. (Hint: consider the restriction of P to the centre Z(G) of G)

Homework Equations

The centre of G = {A in G: AB = BA for all B in G}

The Attempt at a Solution

If we restrict A to Z(G) then we have that BAB^-1 = A for all B in G. So, P(A) = ((A)tr)^-1 = BAB^-1 = A which would imply that the transpose of A equals the inverse of A for all B in G. I'm not sure if this is what we were meant to do, since I can't see how this might help prove P is not an inner autom'sm.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers,
W. =)

 

[Dick]

No, an inner automorphism is defined by P(A)=BAB^(-1) for a fixed B. What you actually have there is P(A)=(transpose(A))^(-1)=A for all A in Z(G). At this point it might be helpful to know what the center of GL(n) is. Or at least some examples of matrices in the center.