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Nikita Sidorov
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A free subgroup of GL(2,Z)?

Is the subgroup of $GL(2,\mathbb Z)$ generated by the matrices $$ \begin{pmatrix} 1&1 \\ 1&0\end{pmatrix}\ \ \text{and} \ \ \begin{pmatrix} 2&1 \\ 1&0\end{pmatrix} $$ free?

I am sure this is well known, so any relevant references will be appreciated.

My motivation comes from dynamical systems where these matrices specify two automorphisms of the 2-torus; I am interested in studying the orbits of their joint action.

Nikita Sidorov
  • 2.1k
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  • 18
  • 25