1. ## Matrices.

(Sorry, posting a lot of threads tonight. Exams coming up, past papers are surprisingly unlike my notes )

A = $\begin{pmatrix}0&1\\1&0\end{pmatrix}$

Determine all 2 x 2 matrices B such that AB-BA = $\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&-1\end{pmatrix}$

I really don't know how to even start this one. Could anybody give any pointers?

2. Let $B = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
w & x \\ y & z \\ \end{array} } \right)$

Find $w,~x,~y,~\&~z$ so that $AB - BA = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & { - 1} \\
\end{array} } \right)$

3. Originally Posted by Plato
Let $B = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
w & x \\ y & z \\ \end{array} } \right)$

Find $w,~x,~y,~\&~z$ so that $AB - BA = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & { - 1} \\
\end{array} } \right)$
Ok, so I've tried to work though it that way but I've hit a snag. Perhaps I've multiplied wrongly? Can you see the error?

$AB = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
z & y \\ w & x \\ \end{array} } \right)$

$BA = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
z & y \\ x & w \\ \end{array} } \right)$

So, AB - BA :

$B = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
y-z & z-y \\ w-x & x-w \\ \end{array} } \right)$

Which leaves the situation of y always having to be one bigger than z, but z always having to equal y, which can't be true?

4. If you have any hope of passing this test then you better improve basic skills.
$BA = \left( {\begin{array}{*{20}c}
x & w \\
z & y \\

\end{array} } \right)
$