An inverse function theorem for free associative algebras of rank two (Q1208201)

To an endomorphism \(\varphi\) of a free associative algebra \(A = K\langle x_ 1,x_ 2\rangle\) of rank 2 over a field \(K\) one can associate two matrices \(J_ \varphi\) (the Jacobian matrix) and another matrix \(J^*_ \varphi\) both matrices with entries from \(A\). The author shows that an endomorphism is an automorphism if and only if the matrix product \(J^*_ \varphi J_ \varphi\) is a non zero scalar matrix. The proof uses the ``commutator test'' for an endomorphism of \(A\).