Proving ABC^TA^-1 = CB: Step-by-Step Guide

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical expression ABC^TA^-1 = CB, focusing on proving this equation involving matrices A, B, and C, where A and C are symmetric and B is a covariance matrix. The context includes exploration of matrix properties and potential simplifications.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in proving the equation and seeks guidance on the necessary steps.
  • Another participant questions the sufficiency of the initial conditions, providing a counterexample with specific matrices A, B, and C.
  • A participant revises their approach, suggesting a new formulation of the equation and inquires about reordering terms to achieve equivalence.
  • Another participant simplifies the equation under the assumption that A and B are invertible and symmetric, but then provides a counterexample that shows the proposed simplification does not hold in general.
  • A participant clarifies that while A and C are symmetric, B is not, and asks if this changes the situation.
  • One participant indicates they are working through a derivation that relies on the validity of the equation in question.
  • A later post expresses frustration at the lack of responses to their queries.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the equation or the conditions under which it holds. Multiple competing views and counterexamples are presented, indicating unresolved disagreements.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the properties of the matrices involved, such as symmetry and invertibility, which are not universally applicable. The discussion also highlights unresolved mathematical steps in the derivation process.

MikeLowri123
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Hi all,

I have a suspicion this may be obvious but have lookd and can't seem to obtain the correct answer,

Can someone please explain the steps required to prove

ABC^TA^-1=CB

where C^T is the transpose of C and A^-1 the inverse of A. Matrices B and A are covariance matrices and thus may be considered symmetric if that helps

Thanks in advance for some direction
 
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I don't think your requirements are sufficient. Consider A=1, B=[1,2;2,1], C=[0,0;1,0], for example. BC^T = [0,1;0,2], but CB = [0,0;1,2].
 


Thanks for the reply, on a second look I now have:

AB^TC^-1BA=AB^TC^-1CAB^TC^-1

Which I can break down to:

AB^TC^-1BA=AB^TAB^TC^-1

is there anyway I can re-order the RHS to equal the left?

Thanks in advance
 


Assuming A and B are invertible, this can be simplified to
C^-1BA=AB^TC^-1

As both A and B are symmetric, B^T=B and AB=BA (you can check this with the definition of matrix multiplication). Define D=AB and E=C^(-1). D is symmetric as well.

Therefore, your equation is equivalent to ED=DE for symmetric D and invertible E. But this is wrong, for example for D=[1,2;2,1] and E=[1,1;0,1].

Or, with the original matrices:
A=1, B=[1,2;2,1], C=[1,-1;0,1] violates the equation.
 


Thanks for the quick response, Apologies however A and C are symmetric B is not does this chaneg anything
 


I am attempting to work through a derivation and the step attached requires the above mentioned to hold, any suggestions appreciated
 
Last edited by a moderator:


14.63 to 14.64, should be an easy substitution but I can't get there
 


no one ??
 

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