Linear Algebra - Identity matrices

[GTRockstar24]

I am having some difficulty with identity matrices in linear algebra at the moment. I am sure it is fairly simple to solve, but I just cannot follow the logic behind this particular problem.

I need to come up with a matrix B (2x2), such that B =/= I but B² = I

Since

I = (1 0)
    (0 1)

If I am attempting this correctly, I have to find a number that isn't 1, but if you square it, it equals 1. So I came up with this.

B = (-1 0)
    (0 -1)

 

[HallsofIvy]

Well? Have you tried it? What is
\left[\begin{array}{cc}-1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1\end{array}\right]\left[\begin{array}{cc}-1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1\end{array}\right]

 

[sutupidmath]

well, dang, i don't know how to type matirices in latex, so i'll just try to give some hints.

let the matrix B=[B_1,B_2] where B_1,B_2 are the columns of B, so

B_1=[a... b]^T, and, B_2=[c ... d]^T now multiply BB=[BB_1 ... BB_2] now we want the following to hold

BB_1=e_1,BB_2=e_2 where I=[e_1 ... e_2], e_1=[1 ... 0]^T, e_2=[0 ... 1]^T

now you will end up with some eq. involving in it a, b, c ,d so you can figure out the conditions that a, b, c, and d have to satisfy in order for BB=I. THis way you can find more than one such matrix.

I hope i was of any help