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Study Guides > College Algebra: Co-requisite Course

Solve Systems with Inverses of Matrices*

Nancy plans to invest $10,500 into two different bonds to spread out her risk. The first bond has an annual return of 10%, and the second bond has an annual return of 6%. In order to receive an 8.5% return from the two bonds, how much should Nancy invest in each bond? What is the best method to solve this problem? There are several ways we can solve this problem. As we have seen in previous sections, systems of equations and matrices are useful in solving real-world problems involving finance. After studying this section, we will have the tools to solve the bond problem using the inverse of a matrix.

Find the Inverse of a Matrix

We know that the multiplicative inverse of a real number aa is a−1{a}^{-1}, and aa−1=a−1a=(1a)a=1a{a}^{-1}={a}^{-1}a=\left(\frac{1}{a}\right)a=1. For example, 2−1=12{2}^{-1}=\frac{1}{2} and (12)2=1\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)2=1. The multiplicative inverse of a matrix is similar in concept, except that the product of matrix AA and its inverse A−1{A}^{-1} equals the identity matrix. The identity matrix is a square matrix containing ones down the main diagonal and zeros everywhere else. We identify identity matrices by In{I}_{n} where nn represents the dimension of the matrix. The equations below are the identity matrices for a 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 matrix and a 3×33\text{}\times \text{}3 matrix, respectively.

I2=[1001]{I}_{2}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

I3=[100010001]{I}_{3}=\left[\begin{array}{rrrrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

The identity matrix acts as a 1 in matrix algebra. For example, AI=IA=AAI=IA=A. A matrix that has a multiplicative inverse has the properties

AA−1=IA−1A=I\begin{array}{l}A{A}^{-1}=I\\ {A}^{-1}A=I\end{array}

A matrix that has a multiplicative inverse is called an invertible matrix. Only a square matrix may have a multiplicative inverse, as the reversibility, AA−1=A−1A=IA{A}^{-1}={A}^{-1}A=I, is a requirement. Not all square matrices have an inverse, but if AA is invertible, then A−1{A}^{-1} is unique. We will look at two methods for finding the inverse of a 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 matrix and a third method that can be used on both 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 and 3×33\text{}\times \text{}3 matrices.

A General Note: The Identity Matrix and Multiplicative Inverse

The identity matrix, In{I}_{n}, is a square matrix containing ones down the main diagonal and zeros everywhere else.

I2=[1001]I3=[100010001] 2×2 3×3\begin{array}{l}\hfill\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l}\hfill \\ {I}_{2}=\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\begin{array}{cccc}& & & \end{array}{I}_{3}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}\hfill \\ \text{ }2\times 2\text{ 3}\times 3\hfill \end{array}\hfill \end{array}

If AA is an n×nn\times n matrix and BB is an n×nn\times n matrix such that AB=BA=InAB=BA={I}_{n}, then B=A−1B={A}^{-1}, the multiplicative inverse of a matrix AA.

Example: Showing That the Identity Matrix Acts as a 1

Given matrix A, show that AI=IA=AAI=IA=A. A=[34−25]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 4\\ -2& 5\end{array}\right]

Answer: Use matrix multiplication to show that the product of AA and the identity is equal to the product of the identity and A.

AI=[34−25][1001]=[3⋅1+4⋅03⋅0+4⋅1−2⋅1+5⋅0−2⋅0+5⋅1]=[34−25]AI=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 3& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill 5\end{array}\right]\begin{array}{r}\hfill \end{array}\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrrr}\hfill 3\cdot 1+4\cdot 0& \hfill & \hfill & \hfill 3\cdot 0+4\cdot 1\\ \hfill -2\cdot 1+5\cdot 0& \hfill & \hfill & \hfill -2\cdot 0+5\cdot 1\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 3& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill 5\end{array}\right]

AI=[1001][34−25]=[1⋅3+0⋅(−2)1⋅4+0⋅50⋅3+1⋅(−2)0⋅4+1⋅5]=[34−25]AI=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\begin{array}{r}\hfill \end{array}\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 3& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill 5\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrrr}\hfill 1\cdot 3+0\cdot \left(-2\right)& \hfill & \hfill & \hfill 1\cdot 4+0\cdot 5\\ \hfill 0\cdot 3+1\cdot \left(-2\right)& \hfill & \hfill & \hfill 0\cdot 4+1\cdot 5\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 3& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill 5\end{array}\right]

How To: Given two matrices, show that one is the multiplicative inverse of the other.

  1. Given matrix AA of order n×nn\times n and matrix BB of order n×nn\times n multiply ABAB.
  2. If AB=IAB=I, then find the product BABA. If BA=IBA=I, then B=A−1B={A}^{-1} and A=B−1A={B}^{-1}.

Example: Showing That Matrix A Is the Multiplicative Inverse of Matrix B

Show that the given matrices are multiplicative inverses of each other.

A=[15−2−9],B=[−9−521]A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 5\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill -9\end{array}\right],B=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -9& \hfill & \hfill -5\\ \hfill 2& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

Answer: Multiply ABAB and BABA. If both products equal the identity, then the two matrices are inverses of each other.

AB=[15−2−9]⋅[−9−521]=[1(−9)+5(2)1(−5)+5(1)−2(−9)−9(2)−2(−5)−9(1)]=[1001]\begin{array}{l}AB=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 5\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill -9\end{array}\right]\cdot \left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -9& \hfill & \hfill -5\\ \hfill 2& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1\left(-9\right)+5\left(2\right)& \hfill & \hfill 1\left(-5\right)+5\left(1\right)\\ \hfill -2\left(-9\right)-9\left(2\right)& \hfill & \hfill -2\left(-5\right)-9\left(1\right)\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& & 0\\ 0& & 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

BA=[−9−521]⋅[15−2−9]=[−9(1)−5(−2)−9(5)−5(−9)2(1)+1(−2)2(−5)+1(−9)]=[1001]\begin{array}{l}BA=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -9& \hfill & \hfill -5\\ \hfill 2& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\cdot \left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 5\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill -9\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -9\left(1\right)-5\left(-2\right)& \hfill & \hfill -9\left(5\right)-5\left(-9\right)\\ \hfill 2\left(1\right)+1\left(-2\right)& \hfill & \hfill 2\left(-5\right)+1\left(-9\right)\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& & 0\\ 0& & 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

AA and BB are inverses of each other.

Try It

Show that the following two matrices are inverses of each other.

A=[14−1−3],B=[−3−411]A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -1& \hfill & \hfill -3\end{array}\right],B=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -3& \hfill & \hfill -4\\ \hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

Answer:

AB=[14−1−3][−3−411]=[1(−3)+4(1)1(−4)+4(1)−1(−3)+−3(1)−1(−4)+−3(1)]=[1001]BA=[−3−411][14−1−3]=[−3(1)+−4(−1)−3(4)+−4(−3)1(1)+1(−1)1(4)+1(−3)]=[1001]\begin{array}{l}AB=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -1& \hfill & \hfill -3\end{array}\right]\begin{array}{r}\hfill \end{array}\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -3& \hfill & \hfill -4\\ \hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1\left(-3\right)+4\left(1\right)& \hfill & \hfill 1\left(-4\right)+4\left(1\right)\\ \hfill -1\left(-3\right)+-3\left(1\right)& \hfill & \hfill -1\left(-4\right)+-3\left(1\right)\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ BA=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -3& \hfill & \hfill -4\\ \hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\begin{array}{r}\hfill \end{array}\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 4\\ \hfill -1& \hfill & \hfill -3\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -3\left(1\right)+-4\left(-1\right)& \hfill & \hfill -3\left(4\right)+-4\left(-3\right)\\ \hfill 1\left(1\right)+1\left(-1\right)& \hfill & \hfill 1\left(4\right)+1\left(-3\right)\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

Finding the Multiplicative Inverse Using Matrix Multiplication

We can now determine whether two matrices are inverses, but how would we find the inverse of a given matrix? Since we know that the product of a matrix and its inverse is the identity matrix, we can find the inverse of a matrix by setting up an equation using matrix multiplication.

Example: Finding the Multiplicative Inverse Using Matrix Multiplication

Use matrix multiplication to find the inverse of the given matrix.

A=[1−22−3]A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill & \hfill -2\\ \hfill 2& \hfill & \hfill -3\end{array}\right]

Answer: For this method, we multiply AA by a matrix containing unknown constants and set it equal to the identity.

[1−22−3] [abcd]=[1001]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill -2\\ \hfill 2& \hfill -3\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill a& \hfill b\\ \hfill c& \hfill d\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

Find the product of the two matrices on the left side of the equal sign.

[1−22−3] [abcd]=[1a−2c1b−2d2a−3c2b−3d]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill -2\\ \hfill 2& \hfill -3\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill a& \hfill b\\ \hfill c& \hfill d\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1a - 2c& \hfill 1b - 2d\\ \hfill 2a - 3c& \hfill 2b - 3d\end{array}\right]

Next, set up a system of equations with the entry in row 1, column 1 of the new matrix equal to the first entry of the identity, 1. Set the entry in row 2, column 1 of the new matrix equal to the corresponding entry of the identity, which is 0.

1a−2c=1 R12a−3c=0 R2\begin{array}{c}1a - 2c=1\text{ }{R}_{1}\\ 2a - 3c=0\text{ }{R}_{2}\end{array}

Using row operations, multiply and add as follows: (−2)R1+R2→R2\left(-2\right){R}_{1}+{R}_{2}\to {R}_{2}. Add the equations, and solve for cc.

1a−2c=10+1c=−2c=−2\begin{array}{r}\hfill 1a - 2c=1\\ \hfill 0+1c=-2\\ \hfill c=-2\end{array}

Back-substitute to solve for aa.

a−2(−2)=1a+4=1a=−3\begin{array}{r}\hfill a - 2\left(-2\right)=1\\ \hfill a+4=1\\ \hfill a=-3\end{array}

Write another system of equations setting the entry in row 1, column 2 of the new matrix equal to the corresponding entry of the identity, 0. Set the entry in row 2, column 2 equal to the corresponding entry of the identity.

1b−2d=0R12b−3d=1R2\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1b - 2d=0& \hfill {R}_{1}\\ \hfill 2b - 3d=1& \hfill {R}_{2}\end{array}

Using row operations, multiply and add as follows: (−2)R1+R2=R2\left(-2\right){R}_{1}+{R}_{2}={R}_{2}. Add the two equations and solve for dd.

1b−2d=00+1d=1d=1\begin{array}{r}\hfill 1b - 2d=0\\ \hfill \frac{0+1d=1}{d=1}\\ \hfill \end{array}

Once more, back-substitute and solve for bb.

b−2(1)=0b−2=0b=2\begin{array}{r}\hfill b - 2\left(1\right)=0\\ \hfill b - 2=0\\ \hfill b=2\end{array}

A−1=[−32−21]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -3& \hfill & \hfill 2\\ \hfill -2& \hfill & \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

Finding the Multiplicative Inverse by Augmenting with the Identity

Another way to find the multiplicative inverse is by augmenting with the identity. When matrix AA is transformed into II, the augmented matrix II transforms into A−1{A}^{-1}. For example, given

A=[2153]A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 2& \hfill & \hfill 1\\ \hfill 5& \hfill & \hfill 3\end{array}\right]

augment AA with the identity

[2153 ∣ 1001]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 2& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 5& \hfill 3\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

Perform row operations with the goal of turning AA into the identity.
  1. Switch row 1 and row 2. [5321 ∣ 0110]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 5& \hfill 3\\ \hfill 2& \hfill 1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0\end{array}\right]
  2. Multiply row 2 by −2-2 and add to row 1. [1121 ∣ −2110]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 2& \hfill 1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill -2& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0\end{array}\right]
  3. Multiply row 1 by −2-2 and add to row 2. [110−1 ∣ −215−2]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 0& \hfill -1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill -2& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 5& \hfill -2\end{array}\right]
  4. Add row 2 to row 1. [100−1 ∣ 3−15−2]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill -1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 3& \hfill -1\\ \hfill 5& \hfill -2\end{array}\right]
  5. Multiply row 2 by −1-1. [1001 ∣ 3−1−52]\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 3& \hfill -1\\ \hfill -5& \hfill 2\end{array}\right]
The matrix we have found is A−1{A}^{-1}.

A−1=[3−1−52]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 3& \hfill & \hfill -1\\ \hfill -5& \hfill & \hfill 2\end{array}\right]

Finding the Multiplicative Inverse of 2×2 Matrices Using a Formula

When we need to find the multiplicative inverse of a 2×22\times 2 matrix, we can use a special formula instead of using matrix multiplication or augmenting with the identity. If AA is a 2×22\times 2 matrix, such as

A=[abcd]A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill a& \hfill & \hfill b\\ \hfill c& \hfill & \hfill d\end{array}\right]

the multiplicative inverse of AA is given by the formula

A−1=1ad−bc[d−b−ca]{A}^{-1}=\frac{1}{ad-bc}\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill d& \hfill & \hfill -b\\ \hfill -c& \hfill & \hfill a\end{array}\right]

where ad−bc≠0ad-bc\ne 0. If ad−bc=0ad-bc=0, then AA has no inverse.

Example: Using the Formula to Find the Multiplicative Inverse of Matrix A

Use the formula to find the multiplicative inverse of

A=[1−22−3]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& -2\\ 2& -3\end{array}\right]

Answer: Using the formula, we have

A−1=1(1)(−3)−(−2)(2)[−32−21]=1−3+4[−32−21]=[−32−21]\begin{array}{l}{A}^{-1}=\frac{1}{\left(1\right)\left(-3\right)-\left(-2\right)\left(2\right)}\left[\begin{array}{cc}-3& 2\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\frac{1}{-3+4}\left[\begin{array}{cc}-3& 2\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{cc}-3& 2\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

Analysis of the Solution

We can check that our formula works by using one of the other methods to calculate the inverse. Let’s augment AA with the identity.

[1−22−3∣1001]\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& -2\\ 2& -3\end{array}|\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Perform row operations with the goal of turning AA into the identity.
  1. Multiply row 1 by −2-2 and add to row 2. [1−201∣10−21]\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& -2\\ 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]
  2. Multiply row 1 by 2 and add to row 1. [1001∣−32−21]\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{cc}-3& 2\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]
So, we have verified our original solution.

A−1=[−32−21]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}-3& 2\\ -2& 1\end{array}\right]

Try It

Use the formula to find the inverse of matrix AA. Verify your answer by augmenting with the identity matrix.

A=[1−123]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& -1\\ 2& 3\end{array}\right]

Answer: A−1=[3515−2515]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}\frac{3}{5}& \frac{1}{5}\\ -\frac{2}{5}& \frac{1}{5}\end{array}\right]

Example: Finding the Inverse of the Matrix, If It Exists

Find the inverse, if it exists, of the given matrix.

A=[3612]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 6\\ 1& 2\end{array}\right]

Answer: We will use the method of augmenting with the identity.

[3613∣1001]\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 6\\ 1& 3\end{array}|\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right]

  1. Switch row 1 and row 2. [1336    ∣0110]\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 3\\ 3& 6\text{ }\end{array}\text{ }\text{ }\text{ }|\begin{array}{cc}0& 1\\ 1& 0\end{array}\right]
  2. Multiply row 1 by −3 and add it to row 2. [1200∣10−31]\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 2\\ 0& 0\end{array}|\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ -3& 1\end{array}\right]
  3. There is nothing further we can do. The zeros in row 2 indicate that this matrix has no inverse.

Finding the Multiplicative Inverse of 3×3 Matrices

Unfortunately, we do not have a formula similar to the one for a 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 matrix to find the inverse of a 3×33\text{}\times \text{}3 matrix. Instead, we will augment the original matrix with the identity matrix and use row operations to obtain the inverse. Given a 3×33\text{}\times \text{}3 matrix

A=[231331241]A=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\right] augment AA with the identity matrix A∣I=[231331241 ∣ 100010001]A|I=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\text{ }|\text{ }\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

To begin, we write the augmented matrix with the identity on the right and AA on the left. Performing elementary row operations so that the identity matrix appears on the left, we will obtain the inverse matrix on the right. We will find the inverse of this matrix in the next example.

How To: Given a 3×33\times 3 matrix, find the inverse

  1. Write the original matrix augmented with the identity matrix on the right.
  2. Use elementary row operations so that the identity appears on the left.
  3. What is obtained on the right is the inverse of the original matrix.
  4. Use matrix multiplication to show that AA−1=IA{A}^{-1}=I and A−1A=I{A}^{-1}A=I.

Example: Finding the Inverse of a 3 × 3 Matrix

Given the 3×33\times 3 matrix AA, find the inverse.

A=[231331241]A=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\right]

Answer: Augment AA with the identity matrix, and then begin row operations until the identity matrix replaces AA. The matrix on the right will be the inverse of AA.

[231331241∣100010001]→Interchange R2and R1[331231241∣010100001]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]\stackrel{\text{Interchange }{R}_{2}\text{and }{R}_{1}}{\to }\left[\begin{array}{ccc}3& 3& 1\\ 2& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}0& 1& 0\\ 1& 0& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

−R2+R1=R1→[100231241∣−110100001]-{R}_{2}+{R}_{1}={R}_{1}\to \left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 2& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

−R2+R3=R3→[100231010∣−110100−101]-{R}_{2}+{R}_{3}={R}_{3}\to \left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 2& 3& 1\\ 0& 1& 0\end{array}|\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]

R3↔R2→[100010231∣−110−101100]{R}_{3}\leftrightarrow {R}_{2}\to \left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 2& 3& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 0\end{array}\right]

−2R1+R3=R3→[100010031∣−110−1013−20]-2{R}_{1}+{R}_{3}={R}_{3}\to \left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 3& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 3& \hfill -2& \hfill 0\end{array}\right]

−3R2+R3=R3→[100010001∣−110−1016−2−3]-3{R}_{2}+{R}_{3}={R}_{3}\to \left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 6& \hfill -2& \hfill -3\end{array}\right]

Thus,

A−1=B=[−110−1016−2−3]{A}^{-1}=B=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}-1& 1& 0\\ -1& 0& 1\\ 6& -2& -3\end{array}\right]

Analysis of the Solution

To prove that B=A−1B={A}^{-1}, let’s multiply the two matrices together to see if the product equals the identity, if AA−1=IA{A}^{-1}=I and A−1A=I{A}^{-1}A=I.

AA−1=[231331241] [−110−1016−2−3]=[2(−1)+3(−1)+1(6)2(1)+3(0)+1(−2)2(0)+3(1)+1(−3)3(−1)+3(−1)+1(6)3(1)+3(0)+1(−2)3(0)+3(1)+1(−3)2(−1)+4(−1)+1(6)2(1)+4(0)+1(−2)2(0)+4(1)+1(−3)]=[100010001]\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l}\hfill \\ \hfill \end{array}\hfill \\ A{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 6& \hfill -2& \hfill -3\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2\left(-1\right)+3\left(-1\right)+1\left(6\right)& 2\left(1\right)+3\left(0\right)+1\left(-2\right)& 2\left(0\right)+3\left(1\right)+1\left(-3\right)\\ 3\left(-1\right)+3\left(-1\right)+1\left(6\right)& 3\left(1\right)+3\left(0\right)+1\left(-2\right)& 3\left(0\right)+3\left(1\right)+1\left(-3\right)\\ 2\left(-1\right)+4\left(-1\right)+1\left(6\right)& 2\left(1\right)+4\left(0\right)+1\left(-2\right)& 2\left(0\right)+4\left(1\right)+1\left(-3\right)\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array} A−1A=[−110−1016−2−3] [231331241]=[−1(2)+1(3)+0(2)−1(3)+1(3)+0(4)−1(1)+1(1)+0(1)−1(2)+0(3)+1(2)−1(3)+0(3)+1(4)−1(1)+0(1)+1(1)6(2)+−2(3)+−3(2)6(3)+−2(3)+−3(4)6(1)+−2(1)+−3(1)]=[100010001]\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l}\begin{array}{l}\hfill \\ \hfill \end{array}\hfill \\ {A}^{-1}A=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill -1& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\\ \hfill 6& \hfill -2& \hfill -3\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -1\left(2\right)+1\left(3\right)+0\left(2\right)& \hfill -1\left(3\right)+1\left(3\right)+0\left(4\right)& \hfill -1\left(1\right)+1\left(1\right)+0\left(1\right)\\ \hfill -1\left(2\right)+0\left(3\right)+1\left(2\right)& \hfill -1\left(3\right)+0\left(3\right)+1\left(4\right)& \hfill -1\left(1\right)+0\left(1\right)+1\left(1\right)\\ \hfill 6\left(2\right)+-2\left(3\right)+-3\left(2\right)& \hfill 6\left(3\right)+-2\left(3\right)+-3\left(4\right)& \hfill 6\left(1\right)+-2\left(1\right)+-3\left(1\right)\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ =\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 1& \hfill 0\\ \hfill 0& \hfill 0& \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

Try It

Find the inverse of the 3×33\times 3 matrix.

A=[2−1711−111−703−2]A=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& -17& 11\\ -1& 11& -7\\ 0& 3& -2\end{array}\right]

Answer: A−1=[11224−336−5]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 1& 2\\ 2& 4& -3\\ 3& 6& -5\end{array}\right]

Solve a System Using an Inverse

Solving a system of linear equations using the inverse of a matrix requires the definition of two new matrices: XX is the matrix representing the variables of the system, and BB is the matrix representing the constants. Using matrix multiplication, we may define a system of equations with the same number of equations as variables as AX=BAX=B To solve a system of linear equations using an inverse matrix, let AA be the coefficient matrix, let XX be the variable matrix, and let BB be the constant matrix. Thus, we want to solve a system AX=BAX=B. For example, look at the following system of equations.

a1x+b1y=c1a2x+b2y=c2\begin{array}{c}{a}_{1}x+{b}_{1}y={c}_{1}\\ {a}_{2}x+{b}_{2}y={c}_{2}\end{array}

From this system, the coefficient matrix is

A=[a1b1a2b2]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}{a}_{1}& {b}_{1}\\ {a}_{2}& {b}_{2}\end{array}\right]

The variable matrix is

X=[xy]X=\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]

And the constant matrix is

B=[c1c2]B=\left[\begin{array}{c}{c}_{1}\\ {c}_{2}\end{array}\right]

Then AX=BAX=B looks like

[a1b1a2b2] [xy]=[c1c2]\left[\begin{array}{cc}{a}_{1}& {b}_{1}\\ {a}_{2}& {b}_{2}\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{c}{c}_{1}\\ {c}_{2}\end{array}\right]

Recall the discussion earlier in this section regarding multiplying a real number by its inverse, (2−1)2=(12)2=1\left({2}^{-1}\right)2=\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)2=1. To solve a single linear equation ax=bax=b for xx, we would simply multiply both sides of the equation by the multiplicative inverse (reciprocal) of aa. Thus,

 ax=b (1a)ax=(1a)b(a−1 )ax=(a−1)b[(a−1)a]x=(a−1)b 1x=(a−1)b x=(a−1)b\begin{array}{c}\text{ }ax=b\\ \text{ }\left(\frac{1}{a}\right)ax=\left(\frac{1}{a}\right)b\\ \left({a}^{-1}\text{ }\right)ax=\left({a}^{-1}\right)b\\ \left[\left({a}^{-1}\right)a\right]x=\left({a}^{-1}\right)b\\ \text{ }1x=\left({a}^{-1}\right)b\\ \text{ }x=\left({a}^{-1}\right)b\end{array}

The only difference between a solving a linear equation and a system of equations written in matrix form is that finding the inverse of a matrix is more complicated, and matrix multiplication is a longer process. However, the goal is the same—to isolate the variable. We will investigate this idea in detail, but it is helpful to begin with a 2×22\times 2 system and then move on to a 3×33\times 3 system.

A General Note: Solving a System of Equations Using the Inverse of a Matrix

Given a system of equations, write the coefficient matrix AA, the variable matrix XX, and the constant matrix BB. Then AX=BAX=B. Multiply both sides by the inverse of AA to obtain the solution.

(A−1)AX=(A−1)B[(A−1)A]X=(A−1)BIX=(A−1)BX=(A−1)B\begin{array}{r}\hfill \left({A}^{-1}\right)AX=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill \left[\left({A}^{-1}\right)A\right]X=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill IX=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill X=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\end{array}

Q & A

If the coefficient matrix does not have an inverse, does that mean the system has no solution?

No, if the coefficient matrix is not invertible, the system could be inconsistent and have no solution, or be dependent and have infinitely many solutions.

Example: Solving a 2 × 2 System Using the Inverse of a Matrix

Solve the given system of equations using the inverse of a matrix.

3x+8y=54x+11y=7\begin{array}{r}\hfill 3x+8y=5\\ \hfill 4x+11y=7\end{array}

Answer: Write the system in terms of a coefficient matrix, a variable matrix, and a constant matrix.

A=[38411],X=[xy],B=[57]A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 8\\ 4& 11\end{array}\right],X=\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right],B=\left[\begin{array}{c}5\\ 7\end{array}\right]

Then

[38411] [xy]=[57]\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 8\\ 4& 11\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{c}5\\ 7\end{array}\right]

First, we need to calculate A−1{A}^{-1}. Using the formula to calculate the inverse of a 2 by 2 matrix, we have:

A−1=1ad−bc[d−b−ca] =13(11)−8(4)[11−8−43] =11[11−8−43]\begin{array}{l}{A}^{-1}=\frac{1}{ad-bc}\left[\begin{array}{cc}d& -b\\ -c& a\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ \text{ }=\frac{1}{3\left(11\right)-8\left(4\right)}\left[\begin{array}{cc}11& -8\\ -4& 3\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ \text{ }=\frac{1}{1}\left[\begin{array}{cc}11& -8\\ -4& 3\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

So,

A−1=[11−8−4  3]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}11& -8\\ -4& \text{ }\text{ }3\end{array}\right]

Now we are ready to solve. Multiply both sides of the equation by A−1{A}^{-1}.

(A−1)AX=(A−1)B[11−8−43] [38411] [xy]=[11−8−43] [57][1001] [xy]=[11(5)+(−8)7−4(5)+3(7)][xy]=[−11]\begin{array}{l}\left({A}^{-1}\right)AX=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\hfill \\ \left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 11& \hfill -8\\ \hfill -4& \hfill 3\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{cc}3& 8\\ 4& 11\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rr}\hfill 11& \hfill -8\\ \hfill -4& \hfill 3\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}5\\ 7\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ \left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{r}\hfill 11\left(5\right)+\left(-8\right)7\\ \hfill -4\left(5\right)+3\left(7\right)\end{array}\right]\hfill \\ \left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{r}\hfill -1\\ \hfill 1\end{array}\right]\hfill \end{array}

The solution is (−1,1)\left(-1,1\right).

Q & A

Can we solve for XX by finding the product BA−1?B{A}^{-1}?

No, recall that matrix multiplication is not commutative, so A−1B≠BA−1{A}^{-1}B\ne B{A}^{-1}. Consider our steps for solving the matrix equation.

(A−1)AX=(A−1)B[(A−1)A]X=(A−1)BIX=(A−1)BX=(A−1)B\begin{array}{r}\hfill \left({A}^{-1}\right)AX=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill \left[\left({A}^{-1}\right)A\right]X=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill IX=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\\ \hfill X=\left({A}^{-1}\right)B\end{array}

Notice in the first step we multiplied both sides of the equation by A−1{A}^{-1}, but the A−1{A}^{-1} was to the left of AA on the left side and to the left of BB on the right side. Because matrix multiplication is not commutative, order matters.

Example: Solving a 3 × 3 System Using the Inverse of a Matrix

Solve the following system using the inverse of a matrix.

5x+15y+56z=35−4x−11y−41z=−26−x−3y−11z=−7\begin{array}{r}\hfill 5x+15y+56z=35\\ \hfill -4x - 11y - 41z=-26\\ \hfill -x - 3y - 11z=-7\end{array}

Answer: Write the equation AX=BAX=B.

[51556−4−11−41−1−3−11] [xyz]=[35−26−7]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}5& 15& 56\\ -4& -11& -41\\ -1& -3& -11\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\\ z\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{r}\hfill 35\\ \hfill -26\\ \hfill -7\end{array}\right]

First, we will find the inverse of AA by augmenting with the identity.

[51556−4−11−41−1−3−11∣100010001]\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 5& \hfill 15& \hfill 56\\ \hfill -4& \hfill -11& \hfill -41\\ \hfill -1& \hfill -3& \hfill -11\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 1 by 15\frac{1}{5}.

[13565−4−11−41−1−3−11∣1500010001]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 3& \frac{56}{5}\\ -4& -11& -41\\ -1& -3& -11\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}\frac{1}{5}& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 1 by 4 and add to row 2.

[1356501195−1−3−11∣15004510001]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 3& \frac{56}{5}\\ 0& 1& \frac{19}{5}\\ -1& -3& -11\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}\frac{1}{5}& 0& 0\\ \frac{4}{5}& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Add row 1 to row 3.

[13565011950015∣150045101501]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 3& \frac{56}{5}\\ 0& 1& \frac{19}{5}\\ 0& 0& \frac{1}{5}\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}\frac{1}{5}& 0& 0\\ \frac{4}{5}& 1& 0\\ \frac{1}{5}& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 2 by −3 and add to row 1.

[10−15011950015∣−115−3045101501]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& -\frac{1}{5}\\ 0& 1& \frac{19}{5}\\ 0& 0& \frac{1}{5}\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}-\frac{11}{5}& -3& 0\\ \frac{4}{5}& 1& 0\\ \frac{1}{5}& 0& 1\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 3 by 5.

[10−1501195001∣−115−304510105]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& -\frac{1}{5}\\ 0& 1& \frac{19}{5}\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}-\frac{11}{5}& -3& 0\\ \frac{4}{5}& 1& 0\\ 1& 0& 5\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 3 by 15\frac{1}{5} and add to row 1.

[10001195001∣−2−314510105]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& \frac{19}{5}\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}-2& -3& 1\\ \frac{4}{5}& 1& 0\\ 1& 0& 5\end{array}\right]

Multiply row 3 by −195-\frac{19}{5} and add to row 2.

[100010001∣−2−31−31−19105]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}|\begin{array}{ccc}-2& -3& 1\\ -3& 1& -19\\ 1& 0& 5\end{array}\right]

So,

A−1=[−2−31−31−19105]{A}^{-1}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}-2& -3& 1\\ -3& 1& -19\\ 1& 0& 5\end{array}\right]

Multiply both sides of the equation by A−1{A}^{-1}. We want

A−1AX=A−1B:{A}^{-1}AX={A}^{-1}B:

[−2−31−31−19105] [51556−4−11−41−1−3−11] [xyz]=[−2−31−31−19105] [35−26−7]\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -2& \hfill -3& \hfill 1\\ \hfill -3& \hfill 1& \hfill -19\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 5\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill 5& \hfill 15& \hfill 56\\ \hfill -4& \hfill -11& \hfill -41\\ \hfill -1& \hfill -3& \hfill -11\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{c}x\\ y\\ z\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{rrr}\hfill -2& \hfill -3& \hfill 1\\ \hfill -3& \hfill 1& \hfill -19\\ \hfill 1& \hfill 0& \hfill 5\end{array}\right]\text{ }\left[\begin{array}{r}\hfill 35\\ \hfill -26\\ \hfill -7\end{array}\right]

Thus,

A−1B=[−70+78−7−105−26+13335+0−35]=[120]{A}^{-1}B=\left[\begin{array}{r}\hfill -70+78 - 7\\ \hfill -105 - 26+133\\ \hfill 35+0 - 35\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{c}1\\ 2\\ 0\end{array}\right]

The solution is (1,2,0)\left(1,2,0\right).

Try It

Solve the system using the inverse of the coefficient matrix.

 2x−17y+11z=0 −x+11y−7z=8 3y−2z=−2\begin{array}{l}\text{ }2x - 17y+11z=0\hfill \\ \text{ }-x+11y - 7z=8\hfill \\ \text{ }3y - 2z=-2\hfill \end{array}

Answer: X=[43858]X=\left[\begin{array}{c}4\\ 38\\ 58\end{array}\right]

How To: Given a system of equations, solve with matrix inverses using a calculator.

  1. Save the coefficient matrix and the constant matrix as matrix variables [A]\left[A\right] and [B]\left[B\right].
  2. Enter the multiplication into the calculator, calling up each matrix variable as needed.
  3. If the coefficient matrix is invertible, the calculator will present the solution matrix; if the coefficient matrix is not invertible, the calculator will present an error message.

Example: Using a Calculator to Solve a System of Equations with Matrix Inverses

Solve the system of equations with matrix inverses using a calculator

2x+3y+z=323x+3y+z=−272x+4y+z=−2\begin{array}{l}2x+3y+z=32\hfill \\ 3x+3y+z=-27\hfill \\ 2x+4y+z=-2\hfill \end{array}

Answer: On the matrix page of the calculator, enter the coefficient matrix as the matrix variable [A]\left[A\right], and enter the constant matrix as the matrix variable [B]\left[B\right].

[A]=[231331241], [B]=[32−27−2]\left[A\right]=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}2& 3& 1\\ 3& 3& 1\\ 2& 4& 1\end{array}\right],\text{ }\left[B\right]=\left[\begin{array}{c}32\\ -27\\ -2\end{array}\right]

On the home screen of the calculator, type in the multiplication to solve for XX, calling up each matrix variable as needed.

[A]−1×[B]{\left[A\right]}^{-1}\times \left[B\right]

Evaluate the expression.

[−59−34252]\left[\begin{array}{c}-59\\ -34\\ 252\end{array}\right]

Key Equations

Identity matrix for a 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 matrix I2=[1001]{I}_{2}=\left[\begin{array}{cc}1& 0\\ 0& 1\end{array}\right]
Identity matrix for a 3×3\text{3}\text{}\times \text{}3 matrix I3=[100010001]{I}_{3}=\left[\begin{array}{ccc}1& 0& 0\\ 0& 1& 0\\ 0& 0& 1\end{array}\right]
Multiplicative inverse of a 2×22\text{}\times \text{}2 matrix A−1=1ad−bc[d−b−ca], where ad−bc≠0{A}^{-1}=\frac{1}{ad-bc}\left[\begin{array}{cc}d& -b\\ -c& a\end{array}\right],\text{ where }ad-bc\ne 0

Key Concepts

  • An identity matrix has the property AI=IA=AAI=IA=A.
  • An invertible matrix has the property AA−1=A−1A=IA{A}^{-1}={A}^{-1}A=I.
  • Use matrix multiplication and the identity to find the inverse of a 2×22\times 2 matrix.
  • The multiplicative inverse can be found using a formula.
  • Another method of finding the inverse is by augmenting with the identity.
  • We can augment a 3×33\times 3 matrix with the identity on the right and use row operations to turn the original matrix into the identity, and the matrix on the right becomes the inverse.
  • Write the system of equations as AX=BAX=B, and multiply both sides by the inverse of A:A−1AX=A−1BA:{A}^{-1}AX={A}^{-1}B.
  • We can also use a calculator to solve a system of equations with matrix inverses.

Glossary

identity matrix a square matrix containing ones down the main diagonal and zeros everywhere else; it acts as a 1 in matrix algebra multiplicative inverse of a matrix a matrix that, when multiplied by the original, equals the identity matrix

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