The range for the matrix product

$\begingroup$

If a matrix $B$ has full rank by columns, can we conclude that $rg (AB) = rg (A)$? And what $rg (BA) = rg (A)$? The matrices $A$ and $B$ are not necessarily square, in addition it must be taken into account that full rank by columns means that the range of $B$ is equal to its number of columns.

$\endgroup$

1 Answer

$\begingroup$

I am assuming you are talking about the image. Let's assume that $A$ and $B$ are $n$-dimensional, then yes $rg(AB) = rg(A)$. This comes from the fact that you have $Ax= ABy,$ where $y = B^{-1}x.$

The other equality is wrong. Take

$$ B = \left( \begin{array}{cc} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 1 \end{array} \right) $$

$$A = \left( \begin{array}{cc} 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 \end{array} \right) $$

Then,

$$BA = \left( \begin{array}{cc} 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 0 \end{array} \right) $$

Clearly, $rg(BA) \neq rg(A)$

$\endgroup$ 5

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Sign up using Google Sign up using Facebook Sign up using Email and Password

Post as a guest

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

You Might Also Like