Q46 / 90 · JEE Main 2021 (18 Mar Shift 2) · Mathematics

Define a relation R over a class of n×n real matrices A and B as "ARB iff there exists a non-singular matrix P such that PAP-1=B". Then which of the following is true ?

  • A
    R is symmetric, transitive but not reflexive
  • B
    R is reflexive, symmetric but not transitive
  • Correct answer
    C
    R is an equivalence relation
  • D
    R is reflexive, transitive but not symmetric

Solution

Given A and B are matrices of n×n order and ARB iff there exists a non-singular matrix P detP≠0 such that PAP-1=B.

Reflexivity Check :

ARA⇒PAP-1=A which is true for P=I.

So, R is reflexive relation.

Symmetric Check :

ARB⇒PAP-1=B⇒P-1PAP-1P=P-1BP⇒IAI=P-1BP⇒P-1BP=A⇒BRA for matrix P-1.

So, R is symmetric relation.

Transitivity Check :

ARB⇒PAP-1=B and BRC⇒PBP-1=C.

So, PPAP-1P-1=C.

⇒P2AP2-1=C⇒ARC

So, R is a transitive relation.

Since, R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive all.

Hence, R is an equivalence relation.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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