Stuck finding a specific value of an inverse of a complex matrix

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the specific entry b12 of the inverse matrix B = A-1 for the given complex matrix A. The correct formula for the inverse of a 2x2 matrix is applied, specifically A-1 = 1/(ad - cb) * [d -b; -c a]. The user initially miscalculated the determinant and the subsequent multiplication, leading to an incorrect result. The error was identified as an arithmetic mistake in the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their arithmetic
  • Familiarity with matrix operations, specifically 2x2 matrices
  • Knowledge of calculating the determinant of a matrix
  • Experience with matrix inversion techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Review complex number multiplication and addition
  • Study the properties of determinants in 2x2 matrices
  • Practice finding inverses of complex matrices using the formula A-1 = 1/(ad - cb) * [d -b; -c a]
  • Explore common arithmetic errors in matrix calculations and how to avoid them
USEFUL FOR

Students studying linear algebra, particularly those working with complex matrices, as well as educators looking for examples of common mistakes in matrix inversion.

Razberryz
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Homework Statement


Consider the following matrix.

A =

2 + 4i...1 + 5i

2 − 3i...2 + 3i

Let B = A-1. Find b12 (i.e., find the entry in row 1, column 2 of A−1)

Homework Equations



A-1 = 1/(ad - cb)*
[ d -b ]
[ -c a ]
<--imagine as 2x2 matrix with first row (d,-b) and second row (-c,a)

The Attempt at a Solution



1/(ad - cb) =

1/((2+4i)(2+3i) - (2-3i)(1+5i))

1/((4+14i-12) - (2+7i+15))

1/(4+14i-12-2-7i-15)

1/(-25+7i)

[(d,-b)(-c,a)] =

[ d -b ]
[ -c a ] =

2 + 3i...-1 - 5i

-2 + 3i...2 + 4i

So for first row, second column, we should be multiplying 1/(-25+7i) by -1 - 5i. I'm getting -10/576 + 12i/576, but my answer is wrong. Where is my mistake?
 
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Razberryz said:

Homework Statement


Consider the following matrix.

A =

2 + 4i...1 + 5i

2 − 3i...2 + 3i

Let B = A-1. Find b12 (i.e., find the entry in row 1, column 2 of A−1)

Homework Equations



A-1 = 1/(ad - cb)*
[ d -b ]
[ -c a ]
<--imagine as 2x2 matrix with first row (d,-b) and second row (-c,a)

The Attempt at a Solution



1/(ad - cb) =

1/((2+4i)(2+3i) - (2-3i)(1+5i))

1/((4+14i-12) - (2+7i+15))

1/(4+14i-12-2-7i-15)

1/(-25+7i)

[(d,-b)(-c,a)] =

[ d -b ]
[ -c a ] =

2 + 3i...-1 - 5i

-2 + 3i...2 + 4i

So for first row, second column, we should be multiplying 1/(-25+7i) by -1 - 5i. I'm getting -10/576 + 12i/576, but my answer is wrong. Where is my mistake?

I just realized my mistake, it was arithmetic.
 

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