For the matrices A = bmatrix 3 & -4 \ 1 & -1 bmatrix and B = bmatrix -29 & 49 \ -13 & 18 bmatrix, if (A15 + B) bmatrix x \ y bmatrix = bmatrix 0 \ 0 bmatrix, then among the following which one is true?
- x = 16, y = 3
- x = 5, y = 7
- x = 11, y = 2
- x = 18, y = 11
Answer
(3) x = 11, y = 2
Solution
Write A = I + N, where N = A - I = bmatrix 2 & -4 \ 1 & -2 bmatrix
N2 = bmatrix 4 - 4 & -8 + 8 \ 2 - 2 & -4 + 4 bmatrix = O
∵ I and N commute and N2 = O,
A15 = (I + N)15 = I + 15N
= bmatrix 31 & -60 \ 15 & -29 bmatrix
A15 + B = bmatrix 2 & -11 \ 2 & -11 bmatrix
both equations reduce to 2x - 11y = 0
Checking the options, only x = 11, y = 2 satisfies 2(11) - 11(2) = 0.
Answer: (3)