Uniqueness of Inverse Operators Theorem and Proof

  • Thread starter Thread starter Grand
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Inverse Operator
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
Grand
Messages
74
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Theorem
If, for given [tex]A[/tex], both operators [tex]A_l^{-1}[/tex] and [tex]A_r^{-1}[/tex] exist, they are unique and
[tex]A_l^{-1}=A_r^{-1}[/tex]

The proof is rather straightforward, at least the first part of it:
[tex]A_l^{-1}A=I/\leftarrow A_r^{-1}[/tex]
[tex]A_l^{-1}AA_r^{-1}=A_r^{-1} (1)[/tex]

[tex]A_l^{-1}A=I/\rightarrow A_l^{-1}[/tex]
[tex]A_l^{-1}AA_r^{-1}=A_l^{-1} (2)[/tex]

Therefore
[tex]A_l^{-1}=A_r^{-1}[/tex]

However, then they say that this proof holds for any pair of operators [tex]A_l^{-1}[/tex] and [tex]A_r^{-1}[/tex] (which I can't deny) and that eqs (1) and (2) ensure there exists only one such pair, which I can't understand. I would be very grateful if someone explains to me why is that.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you've proved A_l^(-1)=A_r^(-1) then there's not really a pair. They are both the same operator, just call it A^(-1). Now suppose A had two different inverses, can you prove they are equal? It's really the same proof you just gave.