- #1
annpaulveal
- 15
- 0
Homework Statement
I need to use matrix multiplication of matrices A-D to obtain matrix E. I also need to set a equal to some value that would allow me to perform this multiplication.
Homework Equations
The matrixes I need to multiply:
A = [1, 1; 0, 1]
B = [1, 0; 1, 1]
C = [a, 0; 0, 1]
D = [1, 0; 0, a]
By multiplying the above matrices in some order, I need to obtain the following matrix:
E = [0, 1; 1, 0]
The Attempt at a Solution
I have tried setting a = 0, 1, -1, 2, and -2 (since those seemed like the most logical choices) and tried all combinations of multiplication. For the life of me, I can't figure out the order the multiplication should go in and which of the four matrices to multiply together to get matrix E. There has to be a simpler way of approaching the problem, right? I just need some help getting onto the right path.