Question:medium

If A and B are invertible matrices then which of the following statement is NOT correct?

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Remember that matrix algebra often differs from scalar algebra. Properties like \((a+b)^{-1} = a^{-1} + b^{-1}\) or \(ab = ba\) do not generally hold for matrices. Be especially skeptical of properties involving addition and inversion/multiplication.
Updated On: Mar 27, 2026
  • adjA = |A|A-1
  • (A + B)-1= A-1 + B-1
  • |A-1| = |A|-1
  • (AB)-1 = B{-1}A-1
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Objective: Identify the incorrect property of invertible matrices from a given set of statements.

An invertible matrix is a square matrix with a non-zero determinant.

Analysis of Statements:

1. \( \text{adj}(A) = |A|A^{-1} \):

The inverse of matrix \( A \) is defined as \( A^{-1} = \frac{1}{|A|} \text{adj}(A) \). Multiplying by \( |A| \) (which is non-zero for an invertible matrix), we obtain \( |A|A^{-1} = \text{adj}(A) \). This statement is accurate.

2. \( (A + B)^{-1} = A^{-1} + B^{-1} \):

This statement claims the inverse of a sum equals the sum of the inverses. This is generally false. Consider \( A = I \) and \( B = I \). Both are invertible.

Left-Hand Side (LHS): \( (A + B)^{-1} = (I + I)^{-1} = (2I)^{-1} = \frac{1}{2}I^{-1} = \frac{1}{2}I \).

Right-Hand Side (RHS): \( A^{-1} + B^{-1} = I^{-1} + I^{-1} = I + I = 2I \).

Since LHS \( eq \) RHS, this statement is inaccurate.

3. \( |A^{-1}| = |A|^{-1} \):

Given \( AA^{-1} = I \). Taking the determinant of both sides: \( |AA^{-1}| = |I| \). Using the determinant property \( |XY| = |X||Y| \), we get \( |A||A^{-1}| = 1 \). Since \( |A| eq 0 \), we can divide to get \( |A^{-1}| = \frac{1}{|A|} = |A|^{-1} \). This statement is accurate.

4. \( (AB)^{-1} = B^{-1}A^{-1} \):

This is the standard property for the inverse of a matrix product, also known as the reversal law. This statement is accurate.

Conclusion:

The incorrect statement is \( (A + B)^{-1} = A^{-1} + B^{-1} \).

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