Question

another linear algebra question about transpose

Answer 1

if a and b are both column matrices of the same size (nx1), what is the relationship between (a^T)b and (b^T)a ???

Answer 2

THe only thing that I was able to come up with is that there products will both be 1x1 matrices. However, this class so far has been mostly about proofs and I can't see the answer being that simple.

Answer 3

looks they are transposes of each other

Answer 4

try simplifying ((a^T)b)^T

Answer 5

=(b^t)*((a^t)^t)=(b^t)*a

Answer 6

I see now they are transposes, thank you

Answer 7

is that it
or are you looking for some other relation between them

Answer 8

Honestly I don't know. My professor chose a book that is not widely used. It is not much on explaining things and almost makes a better reference book. He is the head of our Universities math department and chose the book because there are no solutions guides for it, and because it is not on Chegg. So when I get confused this is where I go lol

Answer 9

You saw the whole question, and the book gives no answer, this is ungraded homework so I have no idea if that is the relation they want, but this section is dealing with transposes so it seams reasonable

Answer 10

yeah that answer sounds good to me too, its just that its kinda trivial..

btw which book ?

Answer 11

http://www.amazon.com/Linear-Algebra-Professor-Martin-Anthony/dp/0521279488