Final answer:
Upon calculating the matrix products QR and RQ for the given matrices, we find that QR does not equal RQ. Therefore, the statement QR = RQ is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked whether the statement QR = RQ is true or false for the given matrices Q = [[2, 2], [8, 1]] and R = [[-3, 1], [8, -7]]. To determine the truth of this statement, we must calculate the matrix products QR and RQ and then compare them.
First, we find the product QR:
- (2*-3 + 2*8) = (2*1 + 2*-7) = [10, -12]
- (8*-3 + 1*8) = (8*1 + 1*-7) = [-16, 1]
So QR = [[10, -12], [-16, 1]].
Next, we calculate the product RQ:
- (-3*2 + 1*8) = (-3*2 + 1*1) = [2, -5]
- (8*2 + -7*8) = (8*2 + -7*1) = [16, 9]
Therefore, RQ = [[2, -5], [16, 9]].
Comparing the two results, we see that QR ≠ RQ. Thus, the statement QR = RQ is false.