Is A^n Skew-Symmetric (Odd n)?

Determine Whether An is Skew-Symmetric (n Odd)

Given:

\[ A \text{ is skew-symmetric } \Rightarrow A^T = -A \]

\[ n \text{ is odd} \]

Step 1: Take Transpose

\[ (A^n)^T = (A^T)^n \]

Step 2: Substitute AT = -A

\[ (A^n)^T = (-A)^n = (-1)^n A^n \]

Step 3: Since n is Odd

\[ (-1)^n = -1 \]

\[ (A^n)^T = -A^n \]

Conclusion:

\[ A^n \text{ is skew-symmetric} \]

Final Answer:

\[ \boxed{\text{A}^n \text{ is skew-symmetric}} \]

Odd powers of a skew-symmetric matrix remain skew-symmetric.

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