# Math Help - Matrix Algebra - fairly basic

1. ## Matrix Algebra - fairly basic

Using the definition of the inverse of a matrix and the principles of matrix algebra, prove that if A and B are invertible matrices of the same order, then AB is invertible and $(AB)^{-1}$ = $B^{-1} A^{-1}$.

2. Originally Posted by WWTL@WHL
Using the definition of the inverse of a matrix and the principles of matrix algebra, prove that if A and B are invertible matrices of the same order, then AB is invertible and $(AB)^{-1}$ = $B^{-1} A^{-1}$.

Hint: recall that if a matrix $A$ is invertible, and we denote $A^{-1}$ as its inverse matrix, then $AA^{-1} = I$ and $A^{-1}A = I$

here, we simply need to show that $(AB) \left( B^{-1}A^{-1}\right) = \left( B^{-1}A^{-1} \right)(AB) = I$, and the desired result follows immediately. use the fact that if $A,B,C,D$ are matrices, then $(AB)(CD) = A(BC)D$

3. Yes, that makes sense. But I don't understand why you'd need to use this fact . How does that relate to the ?

Could you please expand on this a bit more, or give a more detailed explanation please? I am really, really poor at maths.

Thanks.

4. Originally Posted by WWTL@WHL

Yes, that makes sense. But I don't understand why you'd need to use this fact . How does that relate to the ?

Could you please expand on this a bit more, or give a more detailed explanation please?
i give you one more hint.

Consider $(AB) \left( B^{-1}A^{-1} \right)$

in light of the fact that i told you to note (it would also do you well to recall the properties of the identity matrix), we will have that:

$(AB) \left( B^{-1}A^{-1} \right) = A \left(B B^{-1} \right)A^{-1}$

I am really, really poor at maths.
you and me both

5. $= A (I) A^{-1}$

$= (I) A A^{-1}$

$= I^2$

It looks like I've committed a mathematical sin there, and I don't think I've got anywhere.

Just realised I^2 = I!! Thanks, I think I've got it.

Thanks so much Jhevon!!!

6. Originally Posted by WWTL@WHL

$= A (I) A^{-1}$

$= (I) A A^{-1}$

$= I^2$

It looks like I've committed a mathematical sin there, and I don't think I've got anywhere.
i told you to recall the properties of the identity matrix.

Definition: If we have a matrix, $I$, such that $IA = AI = A$ for any matrix $A$, then we call $I$ the identity matrix. It is a matrix of the same order of $A$ with a diagonal of $1$'s on it's main diagonal and 0's everywhere else. Multiplying any matrix by the identity matrix gives the original matrix itself

in other words: $AIA^{-1} = AA^{-1}$

7. Originally Posted by Jhevon
i told you to recall the properties of the identity matrix.

Definition: If we have a matrix, $I$, such that $IA = AI = A$ for any matrix $A$, then we call $I$ the identity matrix. It is a matrix of the same order of $A$ with a diagonal of $1$'s on it's main diagonal and 0's everywhere else. Multiplying any matrix by the identity matrix gives the original matrix itself

in other words: $AIA^{-1} = AA^{-1}$
Yes - of course.

Thank you so much for your patience, and I'm sorry you had to walk me through this one. I really should've understood it. I'm only 2 weeks in to my maths course at university, and I'm already stuggling. Ho-hum.....

8. Originally Posted by WWTL@WHL
Yes - of course.

Thank you so much for your patience, and I'm sorry you had to walk me through this one. I really should've understood it. I'm only 2 weeks in to my maths course at university, and I'm already stuggling. Ho-hum.....
that's fine. i understand what it is to struggle with math, really. now can you complete the proof?

9. Originally Posted by Jhevon
that's fine. i understand what it is to struggle with math, really. now can you complete the proof?
Yep.

10. Originally Posted by WWTL@WHL
Yep.
good!

(you can post it if you want to make sure everything is in order)