# Inverse of Matrix Problem

1. Jun 16, 2014

### alingy1

Show that if A, B and A+B are invertible matrices with the same size, then
$$A(A^{-1}+B^{-1})B(A+B)^{-1}=I$$

What does the result in the first part tell you about the matrix $$(A^{-1}+B^{-1})$$?

I get the first part. Help me with the second part. My book says that the matrix $$(A^{-1}+B^{-1})$$ is not equal to $$(A+B)^{-1}$$
How did they mathematically prove that?

2. Jun 16, 2014

### ehild

Multiply $(A^{-1}+B^{-1})$ with $(A+B)$. Do you get $I$?

ehild

3. Jun 16, 2014

### Zondrina

Think about it, is adding two matrices together and then taking the inverse of the resulting matrix the same as taking the inverse of the two matrices individually and summing the result? If you try this for some easy 2x2 cases you will see it does not hold.

4. Jun 17, 2014

### HallsofIvy

Does it surprise you? For a and b numbers, $\frac{1}{a}+ \frac{1}{b}$ is generally NOT equal to $\frac{1}{a+ b}$.

5. Jun 17, 2014

### AlephZero

Hmmm .... the statement that $(A^{-1} + B^{-1}) \ne (A+B)^{-1}$ should be rather "obvious" for the reasons given in the other posts, but I don't quite see the why the result of the first part should make you think of it.