1
$\begingroup$

Is it true for complex matrices $X,Y$ that $$ (XY)^*=X^* Y^*? $$ where $^*$ refers to complex conjugation. How can we prove this if so? Thanks!

Note: I am referring to complex conjugation, not the hermitan transpose. The answer below refers to hermitan tranpose.

  • 1
    Matrix multiplication is defined only using product and sum of entries, and the conjugation preserves both operations for complex field.2017-01-19
  • 0
    While your question is legitimate, please note that in linear algebra, the standard notation for the complex conjugate of a matrix $A$ is $\overline{A}$. The asterisk notation in almost all cases refers to the conjugate transpose, not complex conjugate.2017-01-20

1 Answers 1

5

For conjugate transpose it holds $(XY)^*=Y^*X^*$, see here.

Edit: For complex conjugation, indeed, $(XY)^*=X^*Y^*$, see here, and the wikipedia article here, section "generalisations".

  • 1
    Op says $*$ denotes the complex conjugation, not hermitian.2017-01-19
  • 0
    I am talking about complex conjugation not the hermitan transpose. Thanks!2017-01-19
  • 1
    Yes, sorry for the confusion. Both use $*$.2017-01-19
  • 0
    @Integrals The entries of $XY$ are sums of products, where conjugation is the same as first conjugating and then form the sum of products.2017-01-19
  • 0
    @DietrichBurde Thanks, that makes sense.2017-01-19