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• Compute the Product $A^{2017}\mathbf{u}$ of a Matrix Power and a Vector Let \[A=\begin{bmatrix} -1 & 2 \\ 0 & -1 \end{bmatrix} \text{ and } \mathbf{u}=\begin{bmatrix} 1\\ 0 \end{bmatrix}.\] Compute $A^{2017}\mathbf{u}$.   (The Ohio State University, Linear Algebra Exam) Solution. We first compute $A\mathbf{u}$. We […]
• Polynomial $x^p-x+a$ is Irreducible and Separable Over a Finite Field Let $p\in \Z$ be a prime number and let $\F_p$ be the field of $p$ elements. For any nonzero element $a\in \F_p$, prove that the polynomial \[f(x)=x^p-x+a\] is irreducible and separable over $F_p$. (Dummit and Foote "Abstract Algebra" Section 13.5 Exercise #5 on […]
• The Product of Two Nonsingular Matrices is Nonsingular Prove that if $n\times n$ matrices $A$ and $B$ are nonsingular, then the product $AB$ is also a nonsingular matrix. (The Ohio State University, Linear Algebra Final Exam Problem)   Definition (Nonsingular Matrix) An $n\times n$ matrix is called nonsingular if the […]
• Matrix Representation of a Linear Transformation of the Vector Space $R^2$ to $R^2$ Let $B=\{\mathbf{v}_1, \mathbf{v}_2 \}$ be a basis for the vector space $\R^2$, and let $T:\R^2 \to \R^2$ be a linear transformation such that \[T(\mathbf{v}_1)=\begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \end{bmatrix} \text{ and } T(\mathbf{v}_2)=\begin{bmatrix} 3 \\ 1 […]
• Equivalent Conditions For a Prime Ideal in a Commutative Ring Let $R$ be a commutative ring and let $P$ be an ideal of $R$. Prove that the following statements are equivalent: (a) The ideal $P$ is a prime ideal. (b) For any two ideals $I$ and $J$, if $IJ \subset P$ then we have either $I \subset P$ or $J \subset P$.   Proof. […]
• Every Finite Group Having More than Two Elements Has a Nontrivial Automorphism Prove that every finite group having more than two elements has a nontrivial automorphism. (Michigan State University, Abstract Algebra Qualifying Exam)   Proof. Let $G$ be a finite group and $|G|> 2$. Case When $G$ is a Non-Abelian Group Let us first […]
• Common Eigenvector of Two Matrices $A, B$ is Eigenvector of $A+B$ and $AB$. Let $\lambda$ be an eigenvalue of $n\times n$ matrices $A$ and $B$ corresponding to the same eigenvector $\mathbf{x}$. (a) Show that $2\lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A+B$ corresponding to $\mathbf{x}$. (b) Show that $\lambda^2$ is an eigenvalue of $AB$ corresponding to […]
• Find All Symmetric Matrices satisfying the Equation Find all $2\times 2$ symmetric matrices $A$ satisfying $A\begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \end{bmatrix}$? Express your solution using free variable(s).   Solution. Let $A=\begin{bmatrix} a & b\\ c& d \end{bmatrix}$ […]