Concept:
• Since \( A \) and \( B \) are symmetric, \( A^T = A \) and \( B^T = B \).
• A matrix \( C \) is symmetric if \( C^T = C \).
• A matrix \( C \) is skew-symmetric if \( C^T = -C \).
Step 1: Let the resulting matrix be \( C \)
Define \( C = AB - BA \).
To check its property, we must find its transpose \( C^T \).
Step 2: Find the transpose using properties
\[ C^T = (AB - BA)^T \]
\[ C^T = (AB)^T - (BA)^T \]
Apply the reversal law \( (XY)^T = Y^T X^T \):
\[ C^T = B^T A^T - A^T B^T \]
Step 3: Substitute the given conditions
Since \( A^T = A \) and \( B^T = B \):
\[ C^T = BA - AB \]
Step 4: Compare \( C^T \) with \( C \)
Factor out a negative sign:
\[ C^T = -(AB - BA) \]
\[ C^T = -C \]
Since \( C^T = -C \), the matrix is skew-symmetric.