Proof of B=A^-1 for Invertible Matrix

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that if a square matrix B satisfies the equation AB = I for a square matrix A, then B must be the inverse of A, denoted as B = A^-1. The participants explore the properties of invertible matrices and the implications of the given equation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants suggest using properties of determinants and the uniqueness of inverses to explore the relationship between A and B. There are discussions about proving that A is invertible and the implications of the equation AB = I. Some participants question the validity of certain approaches, particularly regarding the assumptions made about the invertibility of A.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various participants offering hints and exploring different lines of reasoning. Some have pointed out the need to establish the invertibility of A before proceeding, while others emphasize the importance of definitions related to matrix inverses. There is no explicit consensus yet, as some participants express confusion and seek further clarification.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the challenge of proving A's invertibility without using determinants, which adds complexity to the discussion. There is also a mention of the need to show that the cancellation law holds in the context of the problem.

Ami
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Homework Statement


Let A be a square matrix.
If B is a square matrix satisfying AB=I


Homework Equations


Proof that B=A^-1


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Well, you can first use the relation det(AB) = det(A)det(B). What does it tell you?
 
you can show this by showing that the inverse is unique.. ie. if AB=AC=I then B=C
 
mjsd said:
you can show this by showing that the inverse is unique.. ie. if AB=AC=I then B=C

Or, you have to show that, for a regular matrix A, and matrices B, C (where C is the inverse of A, the existence of which you have the right to assume after working out the hint in post #2), the cancellation law holds.
 
You seem to be making this more complicated than it is. You don't know anything about A and B except that A has an inverse. So the only thing that you can use is the definition of what the inverse is:

A^-1.A = A.A^-1 = I

So just use that definition, to get from the equation AB = I to the equation B = A^-1.

Hint: the associative law for multiplication says (XY)Z = X(YZ) for any matrices X Y and Z.
 
I imagine that the point of this exercise is to show that the inverse is unique. You know that AB= I. Can you use that to prove that BA= I?
Suppose AC= CA= I. Can you prove that B= C (hint, if AB= I = AC, multiply on both sides, on the left, by C.)
 
Thanks so much to all of for replying

The main problem is to show that A is invertible

than I can show That [B=A^-1] easily
 
Last edited:
HallsofIvy said:
I imagine that the point of this exercise is to show that the inverse is unique. You know that AB= I. Can you use that to prove that BA= I?
Suppose AC= CA= I. Can you prove that B= C (hint, if AB= I = AC, multiply on both sides, on the left, by C.)

Can you please show me how I can prove this?
 
Actually, the problem is already solved for you. Just re-read the replies.
 
  • #10
radou said:
Actually, the problem is already solved for you. Just re-read the replies.
Thanks.
But can you show me the solution more clearly ,please?
I still confused about it.
 
  • #11
Ami said:
Thanks.
But can you show me the solution more clearly ,please?
I still confused about it.

No. You show us exactly which part you're confused about. :smile:
 
  • #12
Ami said:
Thanks so much to all of for replying

The main problem is to show that A is invertible

than I can show That [B=A^-1] easily

It A is not invertible, then det(A) = 0

That leads to a contradiction - see Radou's first hint.
 
  • #13
I'm sorry.I need to slove this problem without using the determinants.

My attempt at the solution is:_
First: If A is invertible:-
By multiplying by A^-1 on both sides on the left:_
(A^-1)(AB)=(A^-1)I
IB=A^-1
B=A^-1

Second: I need to show now, that A is invertible, to complete the solution.
This is the part which I'm confused about.

please,I need the solution very quickly.And sorry for the disturbance.
 
  • #14
Ami said:
I'm sorry.I need to slove this problem without using the determinants.

My attempt at the solution is:_
First: If A is invertible:-
By multiplying by A^-1 on both sides on the left:_
(A^-1)(AB)=(A^-1)I
IB=A^-1
B=A^-1

Second: I need to show now, that A is invertible, to complete the solution.
This is the part which I'm confused about.

If you need to show that A is invertible, the upper attempt is invalid, since you can't multiply an equation with something you don't even know exists (A^-1).
 
  • #15
Yes.but it can be valid if we show that A is invertible.

There was another part of this problem,but it was about BA=I,The reference book solved it like the way I've written above.
But It was easier:_

To show that A is invertible: We can show that AX=0, have only the trivial solution:_
So by multypling AX=0 by B on the left:_
B(AX)=B0
(BA)X=0 And, since BA=I
IX=0
X=0 And this is the trivial solution
So A is invertible.

But in our case,The problem is that we have [AB=I],not [BA=I],so we can't multiply by B, and derive that easily.
 

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