Concept:
• A matrix \(A\) for which \(A^2 = A\) is called an idempotent matrix.
• For such matrices, any power \(A^n = A\) for \(n \geq 1\). For example, \(A^3 = A^2 \cdot A = A \cdot A = A^2 = A\).
• Since the identity matrix \(I\) commutes with any matrix \(A\) (\(IA = AI = A\)), we can expand \((I - A)^n\) using the standard binomial expansion formula.
Step 1: Expand the binomial expression
Use the identity \((a - b)^3 = a^3 - 3a^2b + 3ab^2 - b^3\):
\[ (I - A)^3 = I^3 - 3I^2A + 3IA^2 - A^3 \]
Since \(I^k = I\) for any power \(k\), and \(I \cdot A = A\):
\[ (I - A)^3 = I - 3A + 3A^2 - A^3 \]
Step 2: Substitute the idempotent property values
We are given \(A^2 = A\).
As derived in the concept section, this implies \(A^3 = A\).
Substitute these values into the expansion:
\[ (I - A)^3 = I - 3A + 3(A) - (A) \]
Step 3: Simplify the expression
The terms \(-3A\) and \(+3A\) are additive inverses and cancel each other out:
\[ (I - A)^3 = I - A \]
Step 4: Compare with the given equation to find \(x\)
The problem states:
\[ (I - A)^3 = xA + I \]
From our calculation:
\[ I - A = xA + I \]
Subtract \(I\) from both sides:
\[ -A = xA \]
By comparing the coefficients of the matrix \(A\), we conclude:
\[ x = -1 \]