Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / ib / Paper 1 / 8F / e / Solution

The statement is true. Suppose $A,B$ are real and $AP=PB$ for an invertible complex matrix $P=X+iY$, with $X,Y$ real. Taking real and imaginary parts givesThe polynomial $q(t)=\det (X+tY)$ is not identically zero, since $q(i)=\det P\ne 0$. Choose a real $t$ outside its finite zero set. Then $Q=X+tY$ is real and invertible, and $AQ=QB$. Thus $A$ and $B$ are conjugate over $\mathbb{R}$, as stated by complex similarity of real matrices implies real similarity.

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