Linear Algebra: Solving for D with Invertible Matrices | Attempt at Solution"

kwal0203
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Homework Statement



Assuming that all matrices are n\times n and invertible, solve for D.

C^{T}B^{-1}A^{2}BAC^{-1}DA^{-2}B^{T}C^{-2}=C^{T}

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to group all like terms and simplify. I'm pretty sure this is not allowed but I'm not really sure how to approach this question. Thanks a lot any help appreciated!

C^{T}C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}B^{-1}BB^{T}AAAA^{-1}A^{-1}D=C^{T}

C^{T}C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}IB^{T}IIAD=C^{T}

((C^T)^{-1}C^{T})C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}B^{T}AD=C^{T}(C^T)^{-1}

I(C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}CCC)(B^{T}(B^T)^{-1})(AA^{-1})D=ICCC(B^T)^{-1}A^{-1}

D=C^{3}(B^T)^{-1}A^{-1}
 
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No, you can't change the order like that. What you can do is multiply both sides by the same thing at the same end. I.e. You can go from Y = Z to XY = XZ or to YX = ZX. Start with multiplying both sides on the left by C-T. Use the fact that you can change the order when the two matrices being multiplied are inverses of each other: X-1X = I = XX-1
 
kwal0203 said:

Homework Statement



Assuming that all matrices are n\times n and invertible, solve for D.

C^{T}B^{-1}A^{2}BAC^{-1}DA^{-2}B^{T}C^{-2}=C^{T}

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to group all like terms and simplify. I'm pretty sure this is not allowed but I'm not really sure how to approach this question. Thanks a lot any help appreciated!

C^{T}C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}B^{-1}BB^{T}AAAA^{-1}A^{-1}D=C^{T}

C^{T}C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}IB^{T}IIAD=C^{T}

((C^T)^{-1}C^{T})C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}B^{T}AD=C^{T}(C^T)^{-1}

I(C^{-1}C^{-1}C^{-1}CCC)(B^{T}(B^T)^{-1})(AA^{-1})D=ICCC(B^T)^{-1}A^{-1}

D=C^{3}(B^T)^{-1}A^{-1}

Don't assume the matrices commute. You can't interchange the order like you did. Aside from the fact this problem is needlessly complex, just use patience and cancel each matrix M by M^(-1) on the appropriate side.
 
Thanks guys, but what happens when I get down to D after I multiply each term preceding it by its inverse?
 
Ahhhh, multiply on the right!
 
kwal0203 said:
Ahhhh, multiply on the right!

Right! No pun intended.
 
Dick said:
Right! No pun intended.


Lol thanks
 
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