Matrix Theorems

Here, we list without proof some of the most important rules of matrix algebra - theorems that govern the way that matrices are added, multiplied, and otherwise manipulated.

Notation

• A, B, and C are matrices.

• A' is the transpose of matrix A.

• A^-1 is the inverse of matrix A.

• I is the identity matrix.

• x is a real number.

Matrix Addition and Matrix Multiplication

• A + B = B + A       (Commutative law of addition)

• A + B + C = A + ( B + C ) = ( A + B ) + C       (Associative law of addition)

• ABC = A( BC ) = ( AB )C       (Associative law of multiplication)

• A( B + C ) = AB + BC       (Distributive law of matrix algebra)

• x( A + B ) = xA + xB

Transposition Rules

• ( A' )' = A

• ( A + B )' = A' + B'

• ( AB )' = B'A'

• ( ABC )' = C'B'A'

Inverse Rules

• AI = IA = A

• AA^-1 = A^-1A = I

• ( A^-1 )^-1 = A

• ( AB )^-1 = B^-1A^-1

• ( ABC )^-1 = C^-1B^-1A^-1

• ( A' )^-1 = ( A^-1 )'