Is the subgroup of $GL(2,\mathbb Z)$ generated by the matrices $$ \left( \begin{array}{cc} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{array} \right) \ \ \text{and} \ \ \left( \begin{array}{cc} 2 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{array} \right) $$ 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.