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• Simple Commutative Relation on Matrices Let $A$ and $B$ are $n \times n$ matrices with real entries. Assume that $A+B$ is invertible. Then show that \[A(A+B)^{-1}B=B(A+B)^{-1}A.\] (University of California, Berkeley Qualifying Exam) Proof. Let $P=A+B$. Then $B=P-A$. Using these, we express the given […]
• The Existence of an Element in an Abelian Group of Order the Least Common Multiple of Two Elements Let $G$ be an abelian group. Let $a$ and $b$ be elements in $G$ of order $m$ and $n$, respectively. Prove that there exists an element $c$ in $G$ such that the order of $c$ is the least common multiple of $m$ and $n$. Also determine whether the statement is true if $G$ is a […]
• Prove a Group is Abelian if $(ab)^2=a^2b^2$ Let $G$ be a group. Suppose that \[(ab)^2=a^2b^2\] for any elements $a, b$ in $G$. Prove that $G$ is an abelian group.   Proof. To prove that $G$ is an abelian group, we need \[ab=ba\] for any elements $a, b$ in $G$. By the given […]
• The Centralizer of a Matrix is a Subspace Let $V$ be the vector space of $n \times n$ matrices, and $M \in V$ a fixed matrix. Define \[W = \{ A \in V \mid AM = MA \}.\] The set $W$ here is called the centralizer of $M$ in $V$. Prove that $W$ is a subspace of $V$.   Proof. First we check that the zero […]
• If a Prime Ideal Contains No Nonzero Zero Divisors, then the Ring is an Integral Domain Let $R$ be a commutative ring. Suppose that $P$ is a prime ideal of $R$ containing no nonzero zero divisor. Then show that the ring $R$ is an integral domain.   Definitions: zero divisor, integral domain An element $a$ of a commutative ring $R$ is called a zero divisor […]
• For What Values of $a$, Is the Matrix Nonsingular? Determine the values of a real number $a$ such that the matrix \[A=\begin{bmatrix} 3 & 0 & a \\ 2 &3 &0 \\ 0 & 18a & a+1 \end{bmatrix}\] is nonsingular.   Solution. We apply elementary row operations and obtain: \begin{align*} A=\begin{bmatrix} 3 & 0 & a […]
• Determine Whether the Following Matrix Invertible. If So Find Its Inverse Matrix. Let A be the matrix \[\begin{bmatrix} 1 & -1 & 0 \\ 0 &1 &-1 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{bmatrix}.\] Is the matrix $A$ invertible? If not, then explain why it isn’t invertible. If so, then find the inverse. (The Ohio State University Linear Algebra […]
• Inverse Matrix of Positive-Definite Symmetric Matrix is Positive-Definite Suppose $A$ is a positive definite symmetric $n\times n$ matrix. (a) Prove that $A$ is invertible. (b) Prove that $A^{-1}$ is symmetric. (c) Prove that $A^{-1}$ is positive-definite. (MIT, Linear Algebra Exam Problem)   Proof. (a) Prove that $A$ is […]