Matrices: Transpose and Inverse

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving the matrix equation (X * Y^-1)T - (Y * X^-1)T with given matrices X and Y. The initial attempt yielded an incorrect result, prompting a request for clarification on the solution process. The participant correctly calculated the inverses and transposes but mistakenly applied the associative property of multiplication, leading to errors in the order of operations. It was clarified that while matrix multiplication is associative, it is not commutative, which is crucial for correctly solving the problem. The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining the correct order of operations when working with matrices.
PotentialE
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Homework Statement


Find (X * Y-1)T - (Y * X-1)T
When X = [3 5]
.....[1 2]
and Y = [3 4]
...[2 3]

Homework Equations


Inverse= 1/ad-bc [d -b]
......[-c a]

The Attempt at a Solution


I got:
[9 -6 ]
[14 -9]

But the answer is:
[-3 -2]
[6 3]I did the problem twice and got the same answer so I don't think its a simple math error, any insight as to how to solve this correctly / what I've done wrong?
 
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It's rather hard to say where you've gone wrong without seeing your working. Your equations are correct.
 
Well first I did the inverse of Y and got:
[3 -4]
[-2 3]

Then I multiplied that by X and got:
[5 7]
[-3 -4]

Then I transposed it and got:
[5 -3]
[7 -4]

Then I did the inverse of X and got:
[2 -5]
[-1 3]

Multiplied by Y and got:
[-4 -7]
[3 5]

Then I transposed that and got:
[-4 3]
[-7 5]

Then I subtracted the two transposed matrices to get:
[9 -6]
[14 -9]

Seems coherent to me but it's very far from the right answer
 
In your second step, looks like you did Y-1*X instead of X*Y-1
 
Oh that's right! I forgot the associative property is non-applicable to matrices. THanks for your help.
 
PotentialE said:
I forgot the associative property is non-applicable to matrices.
No, matrices are associative, A(BC) = (A B)C, but they are not always commutative.
 
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