Uniqueness of identity elements for rectangular matrices

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the uniqueness of identity elements for rectangular matrices, specifically addressing the identity matrix's role in matrix multiplication. It establishes that the identity matrix is unique for square matrices, while for non-square matrices, left and right identities differ in size. The conversation explores the conditions under which a matrix can be considered a right-identity for an m x n matrix, concluding that the only matrix satisfying AI = A for all A is the n x n identity matrix.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of matrix multiplication and properties of square matrices
  • Familiarity with identity matrices and their definitions
  • Knowledge of rectangular matrices and their dimensions
  • Basic concepts of linear algebra and matrix theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of identity matrices in linear algebra
  • Explore the implications of non-square matrices in matrix multiplication
  • Learn about monoidal properties in the context of matrix operations
  • Investigate the uniqueness of identity elements in various algebraic structures
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Mathematicians, students of linear algebra, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of matrix operations and identities.

Bipolarity
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Let A be the set of n \times n matrices. Then the identity element of this set under matrix multiplication is the identity matrix and it is unique. The proof follows from the monoidal properties of multiplication of square matrices.

But if the matrix is not square, the left and right identities are not equivalent; they are both identity matrices, but have a different size.

How do you know that the left-identity is unique, and that the right-identity is unique?
So given an m \times n matrix A, how do you know that the only matrix satisfying AI = A for all A is the n \times n identity matrix?

Is this even true? Could I possibly find multiple right-identity elements?

BiP
 
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Let ##B## be an identity element. Let ##A## be the ##m\times n## matrix with a 1 on the ##i##th row and the ##j##th column and zero everywhere else. You know that ##AB = A##. This gives a condition on ##B##. Which one? What if you vary ##i## and ##j##?
 

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