Proving Linear System: No Solution for AB-BA=I2 (2x2 Real Number Matrices)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that there are no 2x2 real number matrices A and B such that the equation AB - BA = I2 holds true, where I2 is the 2x2 identity matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster seeks guidance on how to prove the statement. Some participants suggest writing out the full matrix equation to clarify the problem. Others discuss specific entries derived from the equation and explore potential contradictions arising from those entries.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some suggesting that contradictions arise from the derived equations. There is a sense of exploration regarding the implications of these contradictions, but no explicit consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with the assumption that A and B are 2x2 matrices and are exploring the implications of the equation AB - BA = I2. There is a focus on identifying contradictions within the derived equations.

annoymage
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Homework Statement



Show that there are no A,B (2x2 and real number matrices)

such that AB-BA=I2

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



can anyone give me clue, how to prove this?
 
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Write down the full equation

[tex] \left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> a_{11} & a_{12} \\<br /> a_{21} & a_{22}<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> b_{11} & b_{12} \\<br /> b_{21} & b_{22}<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)-\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> b_{11} & b_{12} \\<br /> b_{21} & b_{22}<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> a_{11} & a_{12} \\<br /> a_{21} & a_{22}<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)=\left(<br /> \begin{array}{cc}<br /> 1 & 0 \\<br /> 0 & 1<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

After you do that it will be obvious
 
i did, but then i get,

[tex]\begin{pmatrix} bg-fc & af+bh+be+df \\ ce+dg-aq-ch & cf-bg \end{pmatrix}[/tex]

assume that my

a11=a
a12=b
.
.
.
b21=g
b22=h

then? solve the equation right?
 
owh wait,

bg-fc=1

cf-bg=1

its contradiction..

right?
 
Yeah that's the idea I think
 
hoho, that's proof alright,, thank you very much

next, can you please check my next question i posted.. ^^
 

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