Exercise 972Algebra › GroupsL1Added 3 Nov 2026
The general linear group $GL_n(\mathbb{R})$
#general linear group#matrices#invertibility
Statement
Show that , the set of invertible real matrices, is a group under multiplication. Is it abelian?
Hint
The product of invertible matrices is invertible, and the identity is .
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Solution
Closure. If are invertible, is invertible with inverse .
Associativity. Matrix multiplication is associative.
Identity. is invertible and .
Inverse. By definition, each has .
Non-abelian (for ). For example, .
Conclusion. is a non-abelian group for .