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Why can matrix subtraction be rewritten as adding negative one times the second matrix?

Subtraction is equivalent to adding the additive inverse. In matrix algebra, multiplying a matrix by the scalar -1 creates its additive inverse. Therefore, A - B is mathematically identical to A+(−1)BA + (-1)B, allowing subtraction to rely on previously defined scalar multiplication and addition operations.

Conditions

  • Scalar multiplication by -1 is defined entrywise.
  • Matrix addition is defined entrywise.
  • A and B have the same dimensions.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Start with expression A - B.
  2. Recognize that subtracting B is adding -B.
  3. Express -B as scalar multiplication: (-1) * B.
  4. Rewrite the full expression as A+(−1)BA + (-1)B.
  5. Verify that entrywise calculation yields the same result as direct subtraction.

Example

The board rewrites [[0, 1], [3, 2]] - [[-1, 3], [0, 5]] as [[0, 1], [3, 2]] + (-1)[[-1, 3], [0, 5]]. Checking the first entry: 0+(−1)(−1)=10 + (-1)(-1) = 1, which matches 0 - (-1).

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking subtraction requires a completely new independent definition.
  • Confusing scalar multiplication by -1 with transposition or inversion.

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