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we have to show that every square matrix can be written as the sum of two commuting matrices...i dont know how to do it in general.i think we have to prove if A=B+C then BC=CB...am i ri8....what will b further approach about this question?but B and C should not be the multiple of identity matrix or zero matrix.

hafsah
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I guess this should help : $$\begin{bmatrix}a&b\\c&d\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}a-1&b\\c&d-1\end{bmatrix}+\begin{bmatrix}1&0\\0&1\end{bmatrix}$$

Can you prove that the two matrices in the right side would commute?

  • yes ofcource ....but isnt there any choice other then identity matrix?? – hafsah Feb 22 '14 at 14:07
  • I do not see immediately any other possibilities.. –  Feb 22 '14 at 14:09
  • can we seek anyother posibility for it?? – hafsah Feb 22 '14 at 14:11
  • No idea as of now.. would inform you if i come across such.... you might want to mention that in the question... "I need two matrices $B$ and $C$ neither of them being multiples of identity matrices" –  Feb 22 '14 at 14:13
  • yes i think i should make this change in statement now..thanks – hafsah Feb 22 '14 at 14:14