If AB=I, then A is invertible. False

  • Thread starter Dustinsfl
  • Start date
In summary, the statement "If AB=I, then A is invertible" means that if two square matrices, A and B, when multiplied together result in the identity matrix, then A is considered invertible. However, this statement is not always true as both A and B must be invertible for A to be invertible. An example where AB=I but A is not invertible is when A = [1 2; 3 6] and B = [2 -1; -1 0]. To determine if a matrix is invertible, its determinant must be non-zero. Lastly, matrices of different sizes cannot satisfy the statement as both matrices must be square.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
2,281
5
If AB=I, then A is invertible.

False, but not sure how to show it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Dustinsfl said:
If AB=I, then A is invertible.

False, but not sure how to show it.
There's no requirement that A and B have to be square matrices. I came up with a 2x3 matrix and a 3x2 matrix whose product is I, a 2x2 matrix, yet neither of the matrices in the product is invertible.
 
  • #3
Thanks, I figured out a matrix that works.
 
  • #4
If A(n*n) and B (n*n).
and If AB=I.
is A invertible?
is B inverse of A?
 
  • Like
Likes Aaron Rivera

FAQ: If AB=I, then A is invertible. False

What does the statement "If AB=I, then A is invertible" mean?

If two square matrices, A and B, when multiplied together result in the identity matrix (I), then the matrix A is said to be invertible. This means that there exists a matrix B' such that when multiplied by A, it results in the identity matrix.

Is the statement "If AB=I, then A is invertible" always true?

No, the statement is not always true. In order for A to be invertible, B must also be invertible. If B is not invertible, then A cannot be invertible even if their product is the identity matrix.

Can you provide an example where AB=I, but A is not invertible?

Yes, consider the following matrices: A = [1 2; 3 6] and B = [2 -1; -1 0]. When multiplied together, AB = [0 1; 0 1] = I. However, A is not invertible since its determinant is 0.

How can I determine if a matrix is invertible?

A square matrix is invertible if its determinant is non-zero. If the determinant is 0, then the matrix is not invertible. Additionally, you can check if the matrix has an inverse by using Gaussian elimination or finding the inverse using the adjugate matrix.

Can matrices of different sizes satisfy the statement "If AB=I, then A is invertible"?

No, both matrices must be square for the statement to hold. If the matrices are of different sizes, then the product AB will not result in the identity matrix and therefore, A cannot be invertible.

Back
Top