# Prove of linearly dependency of rows in matrices

1. Nov 25, 2011

### DrummingAtom

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

If the rows of A are linearly dependent, prove that the rows of AB are also linearly dependent.

3. The attempt at a solution

$$A = \begin{pmatrix}a&-a\\b&-b\end{pmatrix}$$ the rows are linearly dependent because a - a = 0 and b - b = 0.

$$B = \begin{pmatrix}c_1&c_2\\c_3&c_4\end{pmatrix}$$

Then$$AB = \begin{pmatrix}a(c_1-c_3)&a(c_2-c_4)\\b(c_1-c_3)&b(c_2-c_4)\end{pmatrix} \; where\; c_1 \neq c_3\; and\; c_2 \neq c_4$$

But then wouldn't these rows now be linearly independent? Unless $$c_1 - c_3 = -(c_2 - c_4)$$

Thanks for any help.

2. Nov 25, 2011

### Highway

can you show dependence (or the opposite?) by saying that the det(AB) ≠ 0 ?

i don't have my materials in front of me to check to see which is true. . .

3. Nov 25, 2011

### DrummingAtom

Yeah I thought about going that route but it's asking for the rows not the matrix being linearly dependent. At least that's what I hope I'm understanding of this question.

4. Nov 25, 2011

### Highway

so i guess show that the rows are multiples of each other. . .

5. Nov 25, 2011

### DrummingAtom

That paragraph actually does help me a lot because the determinant can be used to prove columns of the matrix are linearly dependent and then that paragraph states if the rows are dependent then so are the columns. I would assume that the inverse is also true to help my case. I calculated the determinant and it was 0.

6. Nov 25, 2011

### Theorem.

Yes, you can use the determinant for this. A matrix has nonzero determinant if and only if the set of row vectors and the set of column vectors form linearly independent sets. Assuming you have proved (or it has been stated) in class
$\det{A}\det{B}=\det{AB}$, I would recommend you take this route.

7. Nov 25, 2011

### Ray Vickson

In general, A, B and AB may be non-square and so not have determinants. Nevertheless the stated result is still true. In fact, it is pretty easy, but I'll leave you to have the fun of doing it.

RGV

8. Nov 26, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

???
Are you given that A and B are 2x2 matrices? If so, for the rows of a 2x2 matrix to be dependent, they must be multiples of each other. In the matrix you show, the first row is a multiple of <1, -1>. The second row is also a multiple of <1, -1>.