Q.Prove by Mathematical Induction that (A′)n=(An)′, where n∈N for any square matrix A.
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Matrix Transpose
Matrix Transpose
The transpose is one of the simplest yet most useful operations on a matrix: you flip the matrix across its main diagonal, so that its rows become columns and its columns become rows.
The intuition
Picture writing a table of marks with students down the rows and subjects across the columns. If instead you want subjects down the rows and students across the columns, you don't recollect the data — you just turn the table on its side. That turn is the transpose.
The precise definition
If A=[aij] is a matrix of order m×n, its transpose, written A′ (or AT), is the n×m matrix obtained by interchanging rows and columns:
A′=[aji],so the (i,j) entry of A′ is the (j,i) entry of A.
The entry in row i, column j of A moves to row j, column i of A′.
A worked look
A=[205314]2×3⟹A′=2510343×2.
The first row (2,5,1) of A has become the first column of A′.
Properties you must know
For matrices A,B of suitable orders and a scalar k:
- (A′)′=A — transposing twice returns the original.
- (kA)′=kA′ — a scalar comes straight through.
- (A+B)′=A′+B′ — transpose distributes over addition.
- (AB)′=B′A′ — the reversal law: the transpose of a product reverses the order of the factors. …
Concept: Matrix Transpose Power — the transpose of a power equals the power of the transpose.
Step 1 – Base case (n=1):
(A′)1=A′ and (A1)′=A′, so the statement holds.
Step 2 – Induction hypothesis:
Assume (A′)k=(Ak)′ for some k∈N.
Step 3 – Inductive step (k→k+1):
(A′)k+1=(A′)k⋅A′=(Ak)′⋅A′ (by hypothesis). …
The transpose of a matrix power equals the power of the transpose. We prove (A′)n=(An)′ for all n∈N by induction, using the property (AB)′=B′A′ for the inductive step.
Why This Works: The Core Idea
Matrix transposition has a beautiful property: when you transpose a product, the order of multiplication reverses. That is, (AB)′=B′A′. This "reversal" is the engine behind the proof.
If we think about An as A multiplied by itself n times, then (An)′ is the transpose of that long product. Using the reversal property repeatedly, each A inside becomes A′, but the order flips completely — which, because all factors are the same matrix A′, gives back (A′)n. Induction just makes this intuition rigorous.
The Proof Step by Step
1. Base case: n=1
For n=1, we have (A′)1=A′ and (A1)′=A′. Both sides are identical, so the statement holds trivially.
The base case is often n=1 for matrix power induction, since A1=A is the natural starting point.
2. Inductive hypothesis
Assume that for some k∈N, the statement is true:
(A′)k=(Ak)′
3. Inductive step: prove for n=k+1
We need to show (A′)k+1=(Ak+1)′.
Start with the left-hand side:
(A′)k+1=(A′)k⋅A′
By the inductive hypothesis, (A′)k=(Ak)′, so:
(A′)k+1=(Ak)′⋅A′
Now, here's the key move. The product (Ak)′⋅A′ is the transpose of something — but in reverse order. Using the property (XY)′=Y′X′ with X=Ak and Y=A, we get:
(Ak)′⋅A′=(A⋅Ak)′ …
Method: Proving a matrix identity for all n by mathematical induction
When a statement must hold for every natural number n (here (A′)n=(An)′), induction is the standard tool: verify a base case, assume the statement for k, then deduce it for k+1 using a known matrix rule.
Steps
Step 1: Base case n=1.
Check the statement directly for the smallest n: (A′)1=A′ and (A1)′=A′, so it holds.
Step 2: Inductive hypothesis.
Assume the statement is true for some k∈N: (A′)k=(Ak)′.
Step 3: Inductive step — build the k+1 case from the k case. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Applying the reversal law in the wrong order and getting (AkA)′=(Ak+1)′ but writing Ak+1=Ak⋅A as if it were A⋅Ak without noticing they match only here.
Why it's wrong: (XY)′=Y′X′ forces a specific pairing; sloppy ordering can produce (Ak)′A′=(A⋅Ak)′ only if you set X=A, Y=Ak correctly. Correct approach: identify X and Y explicitly before reversing.
Mistake 2: Skipping or mis-stating the base case.
Why it's wrong: induction is invalid without a verified starting point. Correct approach: check n=1 explicitly. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-15-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=opp2qq−qr−rr and AAT=I3, then (A) ∣p∣=∣q∣∣r∣ (B) ∣r∣=2∣p∣∣q∣ (C) ∣q∣=∣p∣∣r∣ (D) ∣p∣+∣q∣=∣r∣
›Reveal solutionSolution
The condition AAT=I3 forces the rows of A to be orthonormal vectors. By computing the dot products of the rows and equating them to the identity matrix, we derive relations among p,q,r that lead to ∣q∣=∣p∣∣r∣, which is option (C).
We are given
A=opp2qq−qr−rr
and told that AAT=I3. This is a classic orthogonality condition: the rows of A are orthonormal (each row has length 1, and distinct rows are orthogonal). The matrix AT is the transpose, so AAT gives the matrix of dot products of rows.
Why this approach works
Instead of blindly multiplying matrices, we think geometrically: AAT=I means the rows of A form an orthonormal basis. That gives us three equations (one for each row’s norm) and three equations for pairwise dot products. Since the matrix has symbolic entries, these equations become algebraic relations among p,q,r. Solving them will reveal which of the given options holds.
Step-by-step reasoning
Let the rows of A be:
- Row 1: R1=(o,2q,r)
- Row 2: R2=(p,q,−r)
- Row 3: R3=(p,−q,r)
The condition AAT=I3 means:
- Each row has norm 1
R1⋅R1=o2+(2q)2+r2=o2+4q2+r2=1(1)
R2⋅R2=p2+q2+(−r)2=p2+q2+r2=1(2)
R3⋅R3=p2+(−q)2+r2=p2+q2+r2=1(3)
Notice (2) and (3) are identical, so they give the same equation.
- Distinct rows are orthogonal
R1⋅R2=o⋅p+(2q)(q)+r(−r)=op+2q2−r2=0(4)
R1⋅R3=o⋅p+(2q)(−q)+r⋅r=op−2q2+r2=0(5)
R2⋅R3=p⋅p+q(−q)+(−r)(r)=p2−q2−r2=0(6)
Now we have a system of equations (1)–(6). Let’s solve them.
From (6):
p2−q2−r2=0⇒p2=q2+r2(7)
From (2) and (3):
p2+q2+r2=1
Substitute (7) into this:
(q2+r2)+q2+r2=1⇒2q2+2r2=1⇒q2+r2=21(8)
Then from (7), p2=21.
Now use (4) and (5):
Add (4) and (5):
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-FN1 markMCQQ.If A=1−24−13−42−35 is the given matrix and AT represents the transpose of A, then AAT−A−AT= (A) 4812816−2812−2847 (B) 4−812−816−2812−2847 (C) 4−812−81628122847 (D) 4−8−12−816−28−12−2847
›Reveal solutionSolution
A direct matrix computation: build AT, use the row-dot-product shortcut for AAT, then subtract A+AT entrywise. The answer is the matrix in option (B).
Concept and Intuition
For any matrix A, the entry (AAT)ij equals (row i of A) ⋅ (row j of A), because transposing turns the columns of AT back into the rows of A. This is much faster than multiplying full matrices out mechanically, and it also guarantees AAT is symmetric — a useful self-check.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rows of A: R1=(1,−1,2), R2=(−2,3,−3), R3=(4,−4,5).
- Compute all pairwise dot products: R1⋅R1=1+1+4=6 R1⋅R2=−2−3−6=−11 R1⋅R3=4+4+10=18 R2⋅R2=4+9+9=22 R2⋅R3=−8−12−15=−35 R3⋅R3=16+16+25=57 So AAT=6−1118−1122−3518−3557 (symmetric, as expected).
- Compute AT=1−12−23−34−45, then A+AT entrywise: (1,1):1+1=2, (1,2):−1−2=−3, (1,3):2+4=6 (2,2):3+3=6, (2,3):−3−4=−7, (3,3):5+5=10 So A+AT=2−36−36−76−710.
- Subtract entrywise: AAT−(A+AT): (1,1):6−2=4, (1,2):−11−(−3)=−8, (1,3):18−6=12 (2,2):22−6=16, (2,3):−35−(−7)=−28 (3,3):57−10=47 …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If 3A=12a2122−2b and AAT=I, then ba+ab= (A) −25 (B) 613 (C) −613 (D) 25
›Reveal solutionSolution
AAT=I forces the rows of 3A to be mutually orthogonal vectors of length 3; solving the two orthogonality equations gives a=−2,b=−1, so ba+ab=25.
Concept and Intuition
If AAT=I, then A is an orthogonal matrix: its rows form an orthonormal set (each row has unit length, and any two distinct rows have zero dot product). Scaling every entry by 3 (as in 3A) scales row lengths by 3 (so squared length becomes 9) but preserves orthogonality (dot products of different rows of 3A are still zero, since they're 9× the original zero dot products).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Rows of 3A: R1=(1,2,2), R2=(2,1,−2), R3=(a,2,b).
- Check R1⋅R1=1+4+4=9 ✓ and R2⋅R2=4+1+4=9 ✓ (consistent with each row having squared length 9).
- R3⋅R3=a2+4+b2=9⇒a2+b2=5.
- Orthogonality R1⋅R3=0: 1⋅a+2⋅2+2⋅b=a+4+2b=0⇒a+2b=−4.
- Orthogonality R2⋅R3=0: 2⋅a+1⋅2+(−2)⋅b=2a+2−2b=0⇒a−b=−1⇒a=b−1.
- Substitute into a+2b=−4: (b−1)+2b=−4⇒3b=−3⇒b=−1, then a=b−1=−2.
- Verify: a2+b2=4+1=5 ✓ (matches step 3). …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-04-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=[2−4−31], then (AT)2+(12A)T= (A) 5[8−9125] (B) 5[8−12−95] (C) [4060−4525] (D) [40−45−6025]
›Reveal solutionSolution
Direct computation of (AT)2 and (12A)T and adding them gives [40−45−6025].
Concept and Intuition
(kA)T=kAT for a scalar k, and matrix squaring/transposing here is just direct 2×2 arithmetic — no shortcut is needed beyond careful multiplication.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=[2−4−31]⇒AT=[2−3−41].
- Compute (AT)2=AT⋅AT:
- Row1: [2(2)+(−4)(−3), 2(−4)+(−4)(1)]=[4+12, −8−4]=[16,−12]
- Row2: [−3(2)+1(−3), −3(−4)+1(1)]=[−6−3, 12+1]=[−9,13] So (AT)2=[16−9−1213].
- Compute (12A)T=12AT=[24−36−4812]. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-19-AN1 markMCQQ.Let A, B, C, D be square real matrices such that CT=DAB, DT=ABC, S=ABCD then S2 is equal to (A) S (B) BCD (C) ST (D) (ST)2=(S2)T
›Reveal solutionSolution
A concrete scalar example satisfying the given matrix relations shows options (A), (B), (C) all fail numerically, while (D) is a universally true transpose identity — (S2)T=(ST)2 for any square matrix, which is exactly what the problem is (perhaps deceptively) testing recognition of.
Concept and Intuition
When a matrix-relation problem gives several plausible-looking "S2 equals ___" options, it's worth checking whether one of them is actually a general algebraic identity true for any matrix, independent of the specific conditions given — sometimes exam options include exactly this kind of "always true" statement as the intended answer, especially when the other options would require additional unstated assumptions (like orthogonality) to hold. Here, (ST)2=(S2)T follows purely from the transpose-reversal rule (XY)T=YTXT, with no special conditions needed at all.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Treat A,B,C,D as 1×1 matrices (scalars) to build a concrete, valid test case (transpose of a scalar is itself).
- The conditions become C=DAB and D=ABC. Substituting the second into the first: C=(ABC)(AB)=A2B2C, so (for C=0) A2B2=1, i.e. AB=±1.
- Choose A=1,B=1 (so AB=1). Then D=ABC=C, so set C=D=5 (any nonzero value works, consistent with both original relations: C=DAB=5⋅1⋅1=5 ✓, D=ABC=1⋅1⋅5=5 ✓).
- Compute S=ABCD=1⋅1⋅5⋅5=25, so S2=625.
- Test each option against S2=625: (A) S=25=625. (B) BCD=1⋅5⋅5=25=625. (C) ST=S=25 (scalars are self-transpose) =625. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.If A is a non-singular matrix such that A.AT=AT.A and B=A−1.AT then (A) A.BT=I (B) B.BT=I (C) AT.BT=I (D) B−1.BT=I
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the given normality condition AAT=ATA, direct substitution shows B=A−1AT
satisfies BBT=I — i.e. B is itself an orthogonal matrix.
Concept and Intuition
A matrix satisfying AAT=ATA is called normal; this symmetry is exactly what's needed
to let ATA and AAT be swapped freely inside an algebraic manipulation. Since B is built
from A−1 and AT, testing BBT naturally produces a chain that can be simplified using
this swap, collapsing to the identity.
Step-by-Step Solution
- B=A−1AT.
- BT=(A−1AT)T=(AT)T(A−1)T=A(A−1)T.
- Since (A−1)T=(AT)−1 (transpose and inverse commute), BT=A(AT)−1.
- BBT=(A−1AT)(A(AT)−1)=A−1(ATA)(AT)−1.
- Substitute the given condition ATA=AAT: …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-FN1 markMCQQ.Let A=[10−1324], B=[4−10−2−3−3], C=25−1−3−100−40123. what is ATB=? (A) 4−740−6−8−3−6−18 (B) ATB is not defined (C) 40−3−7−6124−86 (D) ATB=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Computing AT (3×2) and multiplying by B (2×3) gives a well-defined 3×3 matrix, worked out row by row, matching option (A).
Concept and Intuition
Matrix multiplication PQ is defined only when the number of columns of P equals the number of rows of Q. Here A is 2×3, so AT is 3×2; multiplying AT (3×2) by B (2×3) gives a valid 3×3 product (inner dimensions 2 match), computed entry-by-entry as row·column dot products.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=[10−1324], so transposing rows/columns: AT=1−12034 (3 rows, 2 columns).
- B=[4−10−2−3−3] (2 rows, 3 columns). Since AT has 2 columns and B has 2 rows, ATB is defined and will be 3×3.
- Row 1 of AT is (1,0). Dot with each column of B: col1 (4,−1): 1(4)+0(−1)=4; col2 (0,−2): 1(0)+0(−2)=0; col3 (−3,−3): 1(−3)+0(−3)=−3. So row 1 of the product is (4,0,−3).
- Row 2 of AT is (−1,3). Dot: col1: −1(4)+3(−1)=−4−3=−7; col2: −1(0)+3(−2)=−6; col3: −1(−3)+3(−3)=3−9=−6. Row 2: (−7,−6,−6). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-FN1 markMCQQ.If A and B are two square matrices with detA=5 and det(BT.AT)=−15, then detB is equal to (A) 3 (B) -3 (C) 0 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
det(AT)=det(A) always, and determinants of a product multiply — so this reduces to a one-line equation for detB.
Concept and Intuition
Two determinant facts make this immediate: (1) transposing a matrix never changes its determinant, det(MT)=det(M); (2) the determinant of a product of square matrices equals the product of their determinants, det(PQ)=det(P)det(Q). Combining these collapses the given expression to a simple product of the original (non-transposed) determinants.
Step-by-Step Solution
- det(BTAT)=det(BT)⋅det(AT) (product rule).
- det(BT)=det(B) and det(AT)=det(A) (transpose rule).
- So det(BTAT)=det(B)⋅det(A). …
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.