Let P be a square matrix such that . For , if and , then is equal to:
- A
- B
- C
- D
Let P be a square matrix such that . For , if and , then is equal to:
Correct answer:C
Standard Method
Given: , , and .
Find: .
Add the two given equations:
Subtract the second equation from the first:
Using the matrix identity and comparing coefficients as done in the solution, we obtain:
Now compute:
Therefore, the correct option is C.
Using coefficient comparison quickly
Given: and the two linear relations in .
Find: .
A quick way is to first add and subtract the equations to isolate and :
Then use the identity satisfied by , namely , to reduce every higher power of to a linear expression in and . This lets the coefficients be matched directly, giving:
Hence,
So the correct option is C.
Adding and subtracting the two given equations incorrectly. This changes the coefficients of and gives wrong relations for or . Combine the right-hand sides carefully before simplifying.
Ignoring the identity . Without using this relation, the matrix equation is not reduced properly. Always convert powers of into a linear combination of and when such an identity is given.
Treating matrix terms and scalar terms as if they can be compared casually. Since the equation involves both and , the comparison must be done through the matrix identity and coefficient structure, not by ordinary scalar cancellation.
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