Solution Set - 4

MA 1201 Spring Sem, 2025

1. *Describe the intersection of the three planes u + v + w + z = 6 and u + w + z = 4 and u + w = 2 (all in

four-dimensional space). Is it a line or a point or an empty set? What is the intersection if the fourth
plane u = −1 is included? Find a fourth equation that leaves us with no solution.

Solution:
Part 1: We need to solve for (u, v, w, z) ∈ R4 satisfying the following equations,

u + v + w + z = 6, (1)
u + w + z = 4, (2)
and u + w = 2. (3)

We employ the method of elimination. We replace Equation (1) by the one obtained by subtracting
Equation (2) from Equation (1). After that we replace Equation (2) by the one obtained by
subtracting Equation (3) from Equation (2). We know that linear equations (1) to (3) has exactly
the same set of solutions as that of the following set of equations:

v = 2,
z = 2,
and u + w = 2.

Rearranging (permuting) the above equations to have the diagonal form, we obtain

u + w = 2,
v = 2,
and z = 2.

Thus the intersection of the three planes is the set S described by

S = {(u, v, w, z) ∈ R4 : v = 2, z = 2, and u + w = 2}
= {(u, 2, w, 2) ∈ R4 : u + w = 2}
= {(t, 2, 2 − t, 2) : t ∈ R}
= {(0, 2, 2, 2) + t(1, 0, −1, 0) : t ∈ R}.

Thus the set S is the line passing through the point (0, 2, 2, 2) along the vector (1, 0, −1, 0).

Part 2: Along with the three planes, let us also consider the fourth plane u = −1. That is, we now
should solve the system of equations given by

u = −1, (4)
u + v + w + z = 6, (5)
u + w + z = 4, (6)
and u + w = 2. (7)

Question 1 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 2 of 23

Using the argument as before, by applying Gaussian elimination and permutation steps, this is
equivalent to solving the system of equations

u = −1,
u + w = 2,
v = 2,
and z = 2.

We subtract the first equation from the second equation above to obtain

u = −1, w = 3, v = 2, and z = 2.

Thus the set of points (u, v, w, z) ∈ R4 satisfying equations (4) to (7) is the singleton set {(−1, 2, 2, 3)}.

Part 3: We now find a fourth equation which along with equations (1) to (3) has no solution.
There are infinitely many choices for such a equation, we only need to find one such equation that
is inconsistent with any of the following equations

u + w = 2, v = 2, or z = 2.

For example, u + w = 0 is one such equation. Such a system has no solution as u + w cannot be
simultaneously 0 and 2.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 3 of 23

2. Sketch these three lines and decide if the equations are solvable:

x + 2y = 2
x−y =2
y = 1.

What happens if all right-hand sides are zero? Is there any nonzero choice of right-hand sides that
allows the three lines to intersect at the same point?

Solution:
Part 1: The first line x + 2y = 2 passes through the points (0, 1) and (2, 0). The second line
x − y = 2 passes through the points (0, −2) and (2, 0). And the line y = 1 passes through the point
(0, 1) and is parallel to the x−axis. The lines are sketched in the figure below.

Figure 1: The figure consists of the three lines.

We note that the lines x + 2y = 2 and x − y = 2 intersects at the point (2, 0) but this point does
not lie on the line y = 1. Hence the system of the equations has no solution.

Part 2: We now consider the system of equations given by

x + 2y = 0,
x − y = 0,
and y = 0.

We note that (0, 0) is an obvious solution. To see that this is the only solution, note that the third
equation forces y = 0 and putting it into any any of the two equations x + 2y = 0 or x − y = 0, we
get x = 0. This implies that (0, 0) is the only solution.

Question 2 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 4 of 23

Part 3: We now want to find a, b, c ∈ R such that the following system has a solution

x + 2y = a, (8)
x − y = b, (9)
and y = c. (10)

We again add twice the second equation to the first equation to obtain,

3x = a + 2b,
x − y = b,
and y = c.

This implies that x = a+2b 3 and y = c but we must also have x − y = b. This provides us the
necessary condition a − b − 3c = 0 for the solution to exist. Hence the system of equations (8)-(10)
has a solution for all a, b, c ∈ R satisfying a − b − 3c = 0 and the solution is the singleton set
{( a+2b
3 , c)}.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 5 of 23

3. Explain why the system

u+v+w =2
u + 2v + 3w = 1
v + 2w = 0

has no solution by finding a combination of the three equations that adds up to 0 = 1. What value
should replace the last zero on the right side to allow the equations to have solutions, and what is one
of the solutions?

Solution:
Part 1: We are given the system of linear equations:

u+v+w =2 (11)
u + 2v + 3w = 1 (12)
v + 2w = 0. (13)

The linear combination eq. (11) + eq. (13) - eq. (12) results into 0 = 1. This proves the singularity
of the system.

Part 2: Subtracting eq. (11) from eq. (12) and then replacing eq. (12) with it, we get the following
equivalent system of equations:

u+v+w =2 (14)
v + 2w = −1 (15)
v + 2w = 0. (16)

The above system will become consistent if we replace the right side of eq. (16) by −1. After doing
this replacement, we can subtract eq. (15) from eq. (16) and then replace eq. (16) with it, to get
the following equivalent system of equations:

u+v+w =2 (17)
v + 2w = −1 (18)
0 = 0. (19)

From eq. (18) we get v = −2w − 1. Now putting v equals −2w − 1 in eq. (17), we obtain u = 3 + w.
Hence the solution set for the above system of equations is {(3 + w, −2w − 1, w) : w ∈ R}.
Now, for a particular solution choose w = −1, then u = 3 + (−1) = 2, and v = −2(−1) − 1 = 1.
Thus, one of the possible solutions of the new system made of equations eq. (11), eq. (12) and
eq. (13) (with −1 in place of 0 in the right hand side of eq. (13)) is (2, 1, −1).

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 6 of 23

4. Under what condition on y1 , y2 , y3 ∈ R do the points (0, y1 ), (1, y2 ), and (2, y3 ) lie on a straight line?

Solution:
Consider a general form of the line in the plane R2 :

ax + by = c, a, b, c ∈ R. (20)

Now the three points (0, y1 ), (1, y2 ), and (2, y3 ) lie on a same straight line if and only if they satisfy
eq. (20) simultaneously. So, putting these points one by one in the eq. (20) we get the following
system of equations in the unknowns a, b, c:

by1 = c
a + by2 = c
2a + by3 = c,

which is equivalent to

by1 − c = 0 (21)
a + by2 − c = 0 (22)
2a + by3 − c = 0. (23)

Now this is a homogeneous system. To find that straight line we need a nontrivial solution of the
system made of eq. (21), eq. (22) and eq. (23).
Now interchanging eq. (22) with eq. (21), we get the equivalent system:

a + by2 − c = 0 (24)
by1 − c = 0 (25)
2a + by3 − c = 0. (26)

Now subtracting twice of eq. (24) from eq. (26) and then replacing eq. (26) with it, we get the
following equivalent system of equations:

a + by2 − c = 0 (27)
by1 − c = 0 (28)
b(y3 − 2y2 ) + c = 0. (29)

Now, adding eq. (28) with eq. (29) and then replacing eq. (29) with it, then we get the following
equivalent system of equations:

a + by2 − c = 0 (30)
by1 − c = 0 (31)
b(y3 − 2y2 + y1 ) + 0 = 0. (32)

Note that from eq. (32) we have b(y3 − 2y2 + y1 ) = 0.

Question 4 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 7 of 23

There are two possibilities: either b = 0 or b ̸= 0.

If b = 0 then from eq. (31), we get c = by1 =⇒ c = 0. And then from eq. (30), we get
a = −by2 + c =⇒ a = 0. But, that just says that the line ax + by = c doesn’t exist.
So, let us take b ̸= 0 and fix it. In this case, we get y3 − 2y2 + y1 = 0. Fix also y1 and y2 arbitrarily.
eq. (31) gives c = by1 . Wit that eq. (30) gives a = c − by2 = b(y1 − y2 ).
Thus we see that we get non-trivial value of a, b, c if and only if y3 −2y2 +y1 = 0 ⇐⇒ 2y2 = y1 +y3 .
Therefore, the three points (0, y1 ), (1, y2 ), and (2, y3 ) lie on a straight line exactly when y1 , y2 , y3 ∈ R
satisfy the relation 2y2 = y1 + y3 .

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 8 of 23

5. These equations are certain to have the solution x = y = 0. For which values of d is there a whole line
of solutions?

dx + 2y = 0
2x + dy = 0.

Solution:
To determine the values of d for which the following system of linear equations has a whole line of
solutions, we start by analyzing the system:

dx + 2y = 0 (33)
2x + dy = 0. (34)

We will consider different cases based on the value of d:

Case 1 : Let d = 2. Substituting this into (33) and (34), the system becomes

2x + 2y = 0 (35)
2x + 2y = 0. (36)

Subtracting (35) from (36) and then replacing it with (36), we get the simplified system:

2x + 2y = 0 (37)
0 = 0. (38)

The solution set to (37) and (38) is {(x, y) ∈ R2 : x = −y}, which is a line in R2 . Since this is also
the solution set for the system (35) and (36), the original system (33) and (34) will indeed have a
full line of solutions when d = 2.
Case 2 : If we substitute d = −2 in (33) and (34), we obtain the system:

−2x + 2y = 0 (39)
2x − 2y = 0. (40)

Adding (39) and (40), and then replacing it with (40), the system becomes:

−2x + 2y = 0 (41)
0 = 0. (42)

Since the solution set to the system (41) and (42) is also a line in R2 , namely {(x, y) ∈ R2 : x = y},
it follows from a similar argument as in Case 1 that the system (33) and (34) has a full line of
solutions when d = −2.
Case 3 : Now, let us consider the case where d = 0. Substituting d = 0 into (33) and (34), we
obtain the system:

0x + 2y = 0 (43)
2x + 0y = 0. (44)

Question 5 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 9 of 23

By interchanging (43) and (44), we get the simplified system:

2x + 0y = 0 (45)
0x + 2y = 0. (46)

Clearly, the solution to the system (45) and (46) is x = 0, y = 0. Consequently, the solution to the
system (33) and (34) when d = 0, is x = 0, y = 0, which represents a single point (0, 0) in R2 .
Case 4 : Finally, we consider the case where d ∈ R and d ̸= 0, 2, −2. Subtracting ( d2 ) times of (33)
from (34) and then replacing it with (34), we get the new system:

dx + 2y = 0 (47)
d2 − 4

y = 0. (48)
d

Since d ̸= 2, −2, we have

d2 − 4
̸= 0.
d
Implementing this fact in (48), we obtain y = 0. Substituting y = 0 in (47) and noting that d ̸= 0,
we get x = 0. Thus, when d ∈ R and d ̸= 0, 2, −2, the solution to the system (33) and (34) is
(x, y) = (0, 0), a single point in R2 .

In conclusion, the system of linear equations (33) and (34) will have an entire line of solutions if
and only if d = 2 or d = −2.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 10 of 23

6. What multiple of equation 1 should be subtracted from equation 2 ?

2x − 4y = 6
−x + 5y = 0.

After this elimination step, solve the triangular system. If the right-hand side changes to (−6, 0), what
is the new solution?

Solution:
Since the problem consists of two parts, we will address each one separately. Consider the system
of linear equations:

2x − 4y = 6 (49)
−x + 5y = 0. (50)

Part 1 : Subtracting (− 21 ) times of (49) from (50) and then replacing (50) with it, we obtain the
triangular system:

2x − 4y = 6 (51)
3y = 3. (52)

From (52), we have y = 1. Plugging in y = 1 in (51), we obtain x = 5. Therefore, the solution to

the triangular system (51) and (52) is x = 5 and y = 1.
Part 2 : If we replace the right-hand sides of (49) and (50) with −6 and 0, respectively, we obtain
the modified system:

2x − 4y = −6 (53)
−x + 5y = 0. (54)

Once again, we perform the same operation as in Part 1. Subtracting (− 21 ) times of (53) from (54)
and then replacing it with (54), yields:

2x − 4y = −6 (55)
3y = −3. (56)

Solving (56), we get y = −1. Substituting y = −1 into (55), we obtain x = −5. Therefore, the
solution to the modified system (53) and (54) is x = −5 and y = −1.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 11 of 23

7. *For which numbers d does elimination break down (i) permanently, and (ii) temporarily ?

dx + 3y = −3
4x + 6y = 6.

Solve for x and y after fixing the second breakdown by a row exchange.

Solution:
Assuming that d is an arbitrary real number, we attempt to apply elimination to the given system
of equations:

dx + 3y = −3, (57)
4x + 6y = 6. (58)

For d ̸= 0, the pivot element in the first equation is nonzero. To eliminate x from the second
equation, we subtract d4 times (57) from (58), yielding the transformed system:

dx + 3y = −3, (59)

12 12
6− y = 6+ . (60)
d d

Elimination fails if the coefficient of y in the second equation becomes zero, i.e.,

12
6− = 0.
d
Solving for d:

12
6= ⇒ d = 2.
d
(i) Permanent breakdown: A permanent breakdown occurs if elimination leads to an inconsistent
equation. Substituting d = 2 into (60), we obtain:

12
0y = 6 + = 6 + 6 = 12,
2
which is a contradiction. Thus, elimination permanently breaks down for d = 2.

(ii) Temporary breakdown: This situation occurs if and only if d = 0. In this case, the given
system becomes

3y = −3 (61)
4x + 6y = 6. (62)

Question 7 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 12 of 23

Exchanging eq. (61) and eq. (62), we get

4x + 6y = 6 (63)
3y = −3. (64)

If x and y are real numbers satisfying the above system, then we have y = −1 from eq. (64),
and substituting it back into eq. (63) gives us that x = 3. Also, note that x = 3 and y = −1
indeed solve the given system of equations with d = 0. Thus, we conclude that the solution
of the given system of equations with d = 0 is x = 3 and y = −1.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 13 of 23

8. Apply elimination (circle the pivots) and back-substitution to solve

2x − 3y = 3
4x − 5y + z = 7
2x − y − 3z = 5.

List the three row operations: Subtract times row from row .

Solution:
We express the given system of equations in the form of a matrix equation as follows.
    
2 −3 0 x 3
 4 −5 1  y  7 = (65)
    

2 −1 −3 z 5
We apply elimination technique to solve this equation, which consists of the following row operations,
while circling the pivots in each step.
Step 1: Replace row 2 in eq. (65) by “the subtraction of twice of row 1 from row 2”. Then, we get
    
2 −3 0 x 3
0 1 1  y  = 1 . (66)
    

2 −1 −3 z 5

Step 2: Replace row 3 in eq. (66) by “the subtraction of row 1 from row 3”. This gives
    
2 −3 0 x 3
0 1 1  y  = 1 . (67)
    

0 2 −3 z 2

Step 3: Replace row 3 in eq. (67) by “the subtraction of twice of row 2 from row 3” to get
    
2 −3 0 x 3
    
0 1 1   y  = 1 . (68)
 
0 0 −5 z 0

By performing the matrix multiplication, eq. (68) yields

   
2x − 3y 3
 y + z  = 1 . (69)
   

−5z 0

Note that eq. (69) (by equating the entries of the matrices on either side of the equality sign) gives
the following system of equations, which has exactly the same solutions as that of the given system
of equations.

2x − 3y = 3 (70)
y+z =1 (71)
−5z = 0 (72)

Question 8 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 14 of 23

eq. (72) gives z = 0. Plugging z = 0 in eq. (71) gives y = 1. By substituting y = 1 in eq. (70), we
get x = 3.

Hence, (x, y, z) = (3, 1, 0) is the only solution of the given system of equations.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 15 of 23

9. *Apply elimination to the system

u + v + w = −2
3u + 3v − w = 6
u − v + w = −1.

When a zero arises in the pivot position, exchange that equation for the one below it and proceed. What
coefficient of v in the third equation, in place of the present −1, would make it impossible to proceed,
and force elimination to break down?

Solution:
The given system is:

u + v + w = −2 (73)
3u + 3v − w = 6 (74)
u − v + w = −1. (75)

Part 1: Subtracting three times of eq. (73) from eq. (74), we get

(3u + 3v − w) − (3u + 3v + 3w) = 6 − (−6) =⇒ −4w = 12.

Next, subtracting eq. (73) from eq. (75), we get

(u − v + w) − (u + v + w) = −1 − (−2) =⇒ −2v = 1.

In this way, we get a new system of equations as shown below:

u + v + w = −2 (76)
−4w = 12 (77)
−2v = 1. (78)

Notice that zero appears in the pivot position in eq. (77). By exchanging eq. (77) and eq. (78), we
get the following system of equations:

u + v + w = −2
−2v = 1 (79)
−4w = 12. (80)

Simplifying eq. (79) and eq. (80), we get v = − 21 and w = −3. Substitute these values of v and w
in eq. (73) to find u:
1 3
u + (− ) + (−3) = −2 =⇒ u =
2 2
Thus, the solution of the system is:
3 1
u= , v = − and w = −3.
2 2

Question 9 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 16 of 23

Part 2: What coefficient of v in the third equation, in place of the present −1, would make it
impossible to proceed?
Replace the coefficient of v in the third equation, that is, in eq. (75) by 1. Then, we get

u + v + w = −1. (81)

Now, if we start the elimination as earlier, that is, subtracting eq. (73) from eq. (81), we get

(u + v + w) − (u + v + w) = −1 − (−2) =⇒ 0 = 1,

which is a contradiction.

Thus, if the coefficient of v in the third equation were to be 1, elimination would break down
permanently.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 17 of 23

10. *Suppose A commutes with every 2 by 2 matrix (AB = BA), and in particular
" # " # " #
a b 1 0 0 1
A= commutes with B1 = and B2 = .
c d 0 0 0 0

Show that a = d and b = c = 0.

If AB = BA for all matrices B, then A is a multiple of the identity.

Solution:
" #
a b
Let A = , commute with every 2 by 2 matrix B, that is, AB = BA. Then, in particular
c d
" # " # " #
a b 1 0 0 1
A= commutes with B1 = and B2 = .
c d 0 0 0 0

We shall show that a = d and b = c = 0.

Let us begin with computing AB1 and B1 A. We have
" #" # " # " #" # " #
a b 1 0 a 0 1 0 a b a b
AB1 = = and B1 A = = .
c d 0 0 c 0 0 0 c d 0 0

Since A commutes with B1 , that is, AB1 = B1 A, by equating the entries in the two matrices, we
get b = c = 0.
Next, we compute AB2 and B2 A. We have
" #" # " # " #" # " #
a b 0 1 0 a 0 1 a b c d
AB2 = = and B2 A = = .
c d 0 0 0 c 0 0 c d 0 0

As A commutes with B2 , that is, AB2 = B2 A, we get a = d.

Thus, a = d and b = c = 0.
In other words, " # " #
a 0 1 0
A= =a ,
0 a 0 1
that is, A is a multiple of the identity matrix I.
We cannot say anything extra for the real number a. This is because every multiple of the identity
matrix commutes with every matrix B. In fact,
" #" # " # " #" # " #
a 0 p q ap aq p q a 0 ap aq
= and = .
0 a r s ar as r s 0 a ar as

Conclusion: AB = BA for all matrices B if and only if A is a multiple of the identity.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 18 of 23

11. *Which of the following matrices are guaranteed to equal (A + B)2 ?

A2 + 2AB + B 2 , A(A + B) + B(A + B), (A + B)(B + A), A2 + AB + BA + B 2 .

Solution:

1. For any matrix A and B, we will show the following:

(a) (A + B)2 = (A + B)(B + A).

(b) (A + B)2 = A(A + B) + B(A + B).
(c) (A + B)2 = A2 + AB + BA + B 2 .

2. We also give an example of matrices A and B for which

(A + B)2 ̸= A2 + 2AB + B 2 .

Part 1: Recall that the matrix addition is commutative, that is, A + B = B + A. Therefore,

(A + B)2 = (A + B)(A + B) = (A + B)(B + A).

This proves (a). We will prove (b) and (c) together. Since the matrix multiplication is distributive
over addition, we get

(A + B)2 = (A + B)(A + B) = A(A + B) + B(A + B)

= A2 + AB + BA + B 2 .
" # " #
1 0 0 1
Part 2: Take A = and B = . Then,
0 0 0 0
" #" # " # " #" # " #
1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
AB = = and BA = = .
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clearly, AB ̸= BA. In (c), we have already shown that (A + B)2 = A2 + AB + BA + B 2 . Thus,

(A + B)2 ̸= A2 + 2AB + B 2 .

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 19 of 23

12. *By trial and error find examples of 2 by 2 matrices such that

(i) A2 = −I, A having only real entries.

(ii) B 2 = 0, although B ̸= 0.
(iii) CD = −DC, but CD ̸= 0.
(iv) EF = 0, although no entries of E or F are zero.

Solution:
" #
0 1
(i) Let us consider the matrix A = . Then, we have
−1 0
" #" # " #
0 1 0 1 −1 0
A2 = = = −I.
−1 0 −1 0 0 −1

" #
0 1
(ii) Consider the matrix B = . Clearly, B ̸= 0. But
0 0
" #" # " #
2 0 1 0 1 0 0
B = = = 0.
0 0 0 0 0 0

" # " #
−1 1 0 1
(iii) Take C = and D = . Then,
0 1 0 0
"
#" # " #
−1 1 0 1 0 −1
CD = =
0 1 0 0 0 0
" #" # " # " #
0 1 −1 1 0 1 0 −1
and DC = = =− .
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

Clearly, CD ̸= 0 but CD = −DC.

" # " #
1 1 −1 −1
(iv) Consider the matrices E = and F = . Clearly, none of the entries of E
−1 −1 1 1
and F is zero, but
" #" # " #
1 1 −1 −1 0 0
EF = = = 0.
−1 −1 1 1 0 0

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 20 of 23

13. Find the powers A2 , A3 (A2 times A), and B 2 , B 3 , C 2 , C 3 . What are Ak , B k , and C k ?
" # " # " #
1/2 1/2 1 0 1/2 −1/2
A= and B = and C = AB = .
1/2 1/2 0 −1 1/2 −1/2

Solution:
" #
1/2 1/2
(1) We are given that A = . We need to find A2 , A3 and Ak for higher positive integers
1/2 1/2
k. Now, " #" # " #
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2
A2 = = .
1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2
So, we have A2 = A.
Now, A3 = A2 A = AA = A2 = A.
Similarly, for any higher positive integer k, we get Ak = A.
" #
1 0
(2) We are given that B = . Now,
0 −1
" #" # " #
2 1 0 1 0 1 0
B = = = I.
0 −1 0 −1 0 1

Thus, B 2 is the identity matrix.

Now, B 3 = B 2 B = IB = B.
To find B k for any higher positive integers k, consider the following two cases.
Case I: If k is even, that is, k = 2m for some positive integer m, then we can write

B k = B 2m = B 2 B 2 . . . B 2 (m-times).

Using B 2 = I, we get B k = I.
Case II: If k is odd, then k − 1 is even and case I implies that B k−1 = I. Thus,

B k = B k−1 B = IB = B.

We conclude that 
B if k is odd
Bk =
I if k is even.

(3) Consider the matrix C = AB. We have

" #" # " #
1/2 1/2 1 0 1/2 −1/2
C = AB = = .
1/2 1/2 0 −1 1/2 −1/2

Then, " #" # " #

1/2
2 −1/2 1/2 −1/2 0 0
C = = ,
1/2 −1/2 1/2 −1/2 0 0

Question 13 continues on the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 21 of 23

that is, C 2 is the zero matrix.

Now, " #" # " #
3 0 2 0 1/2 −1/2 0 0
C =C C= = .
0 0 1/2 −1/2 0 0

Hence, C 3 is also the zero matrix.

In general, for any k ≥ 4,
" # " #
k 2 k−2 0 0 k−2 0 0
C =C C = C = .
0 0 0 0

Thus, we conclude that C k is the zero matrix for all k ≥ 2.

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 22 of 23

14. Which three matrices E, F, G put A into triangular form U ?

 
1 1 0
A= 4 6 1 and GF EA = U.
 

−2 2 0

Solution:
We have matrix  
1 1 0
A= 4 6 1 .
 

−2 2 0

We shall transform the matrix A into triangular form. For that, we need to eliminate (2, 1)th , (3, 1)th
and (3, 2)th entries from the matrix.
To eliminate (2, 1)th entry, we replace row 2 with the result of “subtracting 4 times of row 1 from
row 2", and we get
   
1 0 0 1 1 0
E21 = −4 1 0 and A1 = E21 A =  0 2 1 .
   

0 0 1 −2 2 0

Now, to eliminate (3, 1)th entry from matrix A1 , we replace row 3 by “the sum of row 3 and twice
of row 1", and we get
   
1 0 0 1 1 0
E31 = 0 1 0 and A2 = E31 A1 = E31 E21 A = 0 2 1 .
   

2 0 1 0 4 0

We now eliminate (3, 2)th entry of matrix A2 . To do so, we replace row 3 with the result of
“subtracting twice of row 2 from row 3". This gives
   
1 0 0 1 1 0
E32 = 0 1 0 and U = E32 A2 = E32 E31 E21 A = 0 2 1  .
   

0 −2 1 0 0 −2

Conclusion: We have the following elimination matrices

     
1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0
E = E21 = −4 1 0 , F = E31 0 1 0 and G = E32 = 0 1 0 .
     

0 0 1 2 0 1 0 −2 1

Please go on to the next page. . .

IISER Kolkata MA2102 Page 23 of 23

15. *The following 4 by 4 matrix needs which elimination matrices E21 and E32 and E43 ?
 
2 −1 0 0
−1 2 −1 0
A= .
 
0 −1 2 −1
0 0 −1 2

Solution:
Recall that by (i, j)th entry of a matrix we mean the entry in the intersection of the ith -row and
the j th -column.
Our goal is to transform matrix A into an upper triangular matrix.
To begin with, from the first column of matrix A we only need to eliminate (2, 1)th entry as (3, 1)th
and (4, 1)th entries are already zero. For that we can replace row 2 of matrix A by “the addition of
row 1 and twice of row 2", and thus
   
1 0 0 0 2 −1 0 0
1 2 0 0 0 3 −2 0
E21 = and A1 = E21 A =  .
   

0 0 1 0 0 −1 2 −1
0 0 0 1 0 0 −1 2

Next, we need to eliminate (3, 2)th entry from the matrix A1 as its (4, 2)th entry is already zero.
For the same, we can replace row 3 of matrix A1 by “the addition of row 2 and thrice of row 3",
and thus
   
1 0 0 0 2 −1 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 3 −2 0
E32 = and A2 = E32 A1 = E32 E21 A =  .
   

0 1 3 0 0 0 4 −3
0 0 0 1 0 0 −1 2

Finally, we are left with eliminating the (4, 3)th entry from the matrix A2 . To do this, we can
replace row 4 of matrix A2 by “the addition of row 3 and four times of row 3", and thus
   
1 0 0 0 2 −1 0 0
0 1 0 0 0 3 −2 0
E43 = and U = E43 A2 = E43 E32 E21 A =  .
   

0 0 1 0 0 0 4 −3
0 0 1 4 0 0 0 5

Conclusion: We have the following elimination matrices

     
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
E21 = , E32  , and E43 = .
     
0 0 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 4

End of problem sheet