On the problem of freeness of multiplicative matrix semigroups (Q2268869)

The authors consider the freeness of multiplicative matrix semigroups generated by triangular integer matrices of order \(2\) being nonsingular. The problem is reduced to verify if equations involving powers of such matrices, where the sum of powers match, are satisfied. Considering that the matrices are noncommutative, otherwise the problem is trivial, the only possible different is the element \((1,2)\) of the product. A scalar algorithm is developed to test the equality of that element in both sides of the equation.