Lesson 1.3 Inverse of Matrices
Lesson 1.3 Inverse of Matrices
Definition:
An n x n matrix A is called non-singular (or invertible) if there exists n x n matrix 𝐴−1such
that 𝐴𝐴−1 = 𝐴−1𝐴 = 𝐼, where 𝐼 is the identity matrix. The matrix 𝐴−1 is called the inverse of A.
If there exists no such matrix 𝐴−1, then the matrix A is called singular (or non-invertible). Not
every matrix has an inverse.
Note:
An 𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 matrix is a square matrix.
The inverse of any 𝑛 𝑥 𝑛 matrix is also a square matrix.
When the inverse and the matrix itself are multiplied (or vice versa), the result is an identity
matrix 𝐼.
THEOREMS ON INVERSE OF A MATRIX
1. If A is a non-singular matrix, then 𝐴−1 is non-singular (𝐴−1 )−1 = 𝐴.
2. If A and B are non-singular matrices, then AB is non-singular and (𝐴𝐵)−1 = 𝐵−1 𝐴−1.
3. If A is a non-singular matrix, then (𝐴𝑇 )−1 = (𝐴−1 )𝑇 .
Example:
2 3
Find the inverse of 𝐴 = [ ]
2 2
Solution:
𝑎 𝑏
Let 𝐴−1 = [ ]be the inverse of A;
𝑐 𝑑
Then, considering the relation 𝐴𝐴−1 = 𝐼,
2 3 𝑎 𝑏 1 0
[ ][ ]=[ ]
2 2 𝑐 𝑑 0 1
By multiplication of matrices,
2𝑎 + 3𝑐 2𝑏 + 3𝑑 1 0
[ ]=[ ]
2𝑎 + 2𝑐 2𝑏 + 2𝑑 0 1
So that, by equality of the elements of the matrices,
2𝑎 + 3𝑐 = 1; 2𝑏 + 3𝑑 = 0
2𝑎 + 2𝑐 = 0; 2𝑏 + 2𝑑 = 1
Hence, by solving equations using simultaneously (either by elimination or substitution method),
𝑐=1 ; 𝑑 = −1
3
𝑎 = −1 ; 𝑏=2
3 3 3
−1 −1 2 3 (−1)(2) + ( ) (2) (−1)(3) + ( ) (2) 1 0
𝐴 𝐴=[ 2 ][ ]=[ 2 2 ]=[ ]
1 −1 2 2 (1)(2) + (−1)(2) (1)(3) + (−1)(2) 0 1
Problem Set # 2.
In each case find the inverse of the given matrix using Gauss-Jordan method and check
the result.
1 3
4. 𝐴 = [ ] [5 pts]
5 2
1 2 1
5. 𝐵 = [1 3 2] [7 pts]
1 0 1
1 1 1 1
1 2 −1 2
6. 𝐶 = [ ] [8 pts]
1 −1 2 1
1 3 3 2