Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 972Algebra › GroupsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

The general linear group $GL_n(\mathbb{R})$

#general linear group#matrices#invertibility

Statement

Show that GLn(R)GL_n(\mathbb{R}), the set of invertible n×nn\times n real matrices, is a group under multiplication. Is it abelian?

Hint

The product of invertible matrices is invertible, and the identity is InI_n.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Closure. If A,BA,B are invertible, ABAB is invertible with inverse B−1A−1B^{-1}A^{-1}.

Associativity. Matrix multiplication is associative.

Identity. InI_n is invertible and InA=A=AInI_nA=A=AI_n.

Inverse. By definition, each A∈GLnA\in GL_n has A−1∈GLnA^{-1}\in GL_n.

Non-abelian (for n≥2n\ge2). For example, (1101)(1011)≠(1011)(1101)\begin{pmatrix}1&1\\0&1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\1&1\end{pmatrix}\neq\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\1&1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1&1\\0&1\end{pmatrix}.

Conclusion. GLn(R)GL_n(\mathbb{R}) is a non-abelian group for n≥2n\ge2.