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Question

Let A and B be two square matrices of same order. If AB is a null matrix, then which one of the following is correct?

This question was previously asked in
NDA 2 2024 GAT Question Paper (01-Sep-2024)
The correct answer is
B is a null matrix if A is a non-singular matrix

To solve the given problem, we need to consider the properties of matrices, specifically focusing on when the product of two matrices is a null matrix (matrix with all zero entries).

We have two square matrices \(A\) and \(B\) of the same order. Given that \(AB = 0\), let's analyze each option:

  1. Both A and B are null matrices: This is not necessarily true. If \(A\) or \(B\) is a matrix with specific non-zero values, their product \(AB\) can still be a null matrix due to properties of matrix multiplication. Hence, this option is not correct.
  2. Either A or B is a null matrix: While this condition would make \(AB\) a null matrix, it is not the only scenario. \(A\) and \(B\) can both be non-null and still lead to \(AB=0\) under specific circumstances.
  3. B is a null matrix if A is a non-singular matrix: If \(A\) is non-singular, it has an inverse. We can multiply both sides of \(AB = 0\) by \(A^{-1}\) (the inverse of \(A\)):
    • \(A^{-1}(AB) = A^{-1}0\)
    • \((A^{-1}A)B = 0\)
    • is the identity matrix
    • A is non-singular and the product is zero, then only \(B\) has to be null. Hence, this option is not correct.

Thus, the correct answer is: B is a null matrix if A is a non-singular matrix.

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