Inverse of a Matrix: Find Solution for A

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the inverse of a specific matrix defined as a Hankel matrix, where the elements are given by the formula \( A_{ij} = \frac{1}{i+j-1} \). Participants are exploring the properties and methods related to this type of matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the general approach to finding the inverse of the matrix, with some expressing confusion about the specific steps required for this type of matrix. There are attempts to manipulate the matrix and questions about the validity of certain procedures. Others suggest looking up properties of special matrices or working through smaller examples to gain insight.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various participants providing suggestions and resources. Some have attempted specific manipulations of the matrix, while others are questioning the assumptions and methods being used. There is no clear consensus on the next steps or the correct approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention searching for external resources, such as articles on special matrices, indicating a potential lack of clarity on the topic. There is also a reference to the matrix being a special instance of a Hankel matrix, which may influence the approach taken.

Buffu
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Homework Statement



Find the inverse of
##A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & \dfrac12 & & \cdots && \dfrac1n
\\\dfrac12 & \dfrac13 && \cdots && \dfrac1{n+1}
\\ \vdots & \vdots && && \vdots
\\ \dfrac1n & \dfrac1{n+1} && \cdots && \dfrac1{2n-1}\end{bmatrix}##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I obvserved that ##A_{ij} = \dfrac{1}{i+j-1}##.

Also I know ##I = AA^{-1}##

So jth column of ##I## is ##A## times jth column of ##A^{-1}##

So for ##j = 1##

##A \times \begin{bmatrix}A^{-1}_{11} \\ \vdots \\ A^{-1}_{n1}\end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \\ \vdots\\0 \end{bmatrix}##.

Now I don't know what to do. Any clue.
 
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jedishrfu said:
This might help:



I know how to take inverse just I don't know how to do that in case of matrix like this.
 
I don't see where you're confused. The procedure is the same. Is it that the answer is just wrong?
 
jedishrfu said:
I don't see where you're confused. The procedure is the same. Is it that the answer is just wrong?

Ok, I tried something,

I did ##A_i \to A_i - \dfrac1i A_1##, where ##A_1, A_i## are the rows.

I got,
##\begin{bmatrix} 1 & \dfrac12 & & \cdots && \dfrac1n
\\ 0 & \dfrac13 - \dfrac12 && \cdots && \dfrac1{n+1} - \dfrac1n
\\ \vdots & \vdots && && \vdots
\\ 0 & \dfrac1{n+1} - \dfrac1n && \cdots && \dfrac1{2n-1} - \dfrac1n^2\end{bmatrix} =

\begin{bmatrix} 1 & \dfrac12 & & \cdots && \dfrac1n
\\ 0 & \dfrac1{12} && \cdots && \dfrac1{n+1} - \dfrac1n
\\ \vdots & \vdots && && \vdots\\
0 & \dfrac{i -1}{2i(i + 1)} && && \vdots\\
\vdots & \vdots &&&& \vdots \\
\\ 0 & \dfrac{n-1}{2n(n+1)} && \cdots && \dfrac1{2n-1} - \dfrac1n^2\end{bmatrix}
##

See it is very messy and I don't know what to do now.
 
Buffu said:

Homework Statement



Find the inverse of
##A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & \dfrac12 & & \cdots && \dfrac1n
\\\dfrac12 & \dfrac13 && \cdots && \dfrac1{n+1}
\\ \vdots & \vdots && && \vdots
\\ \dfrac1n & \dfrac1{n+1} && \cdots && \dfrac1{2n-1}\end{bmatrix}##

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I obvserved that ##A_{ij} = \dfrac{1}{i+j-1}##.

Google "inverse of special matrix".
 
Ray Vickson said:
Google "inverse of special matrix".

Can you provide the link to the site, I searched the first page of Google but nothing matches.
 
Buffu said:
Can you provide the link to the site, I searched the first page of Google but nothing matches.

Have you looked at all the other articles? I found several, just by searching as I suggested to you.
 
Ray Vickson said:
Have you looked at all the other articles? I found several, just by searching as I suggested to you.
Yes I have looked at each and every article on the first page.
 
  • #10
What's the purpose of this exercise? This is clearly a very special instance of a Hankel matrix which has its own name...
 
  • #11
Buffu said:
Yes I have looked at each and every article on the first page.

The Wikipedia article has all you need. Look at the entry for "Cauchy Matrix".
 
  • #12
Or, just work a few small cases, like ## 2 \times 2 , 3\times 3 ## and come up with an educated guess.
 

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