Fredholmness of linear combinations of two idempotents (Q2480707)

Let \(E\) and \(F\) be idempotent operators on a complex Hilbert space and let \(a,b\) be nonzero scalars with \(a+b\neq0\). The authors prove that \(aE+bF\) is Fredholm if and only if \(E+F\) is. In this case, \(\text{ind}(aE+bF)=\text{ind}(E+F)\). This result gives an affirmative answer to a question asked in [\textit{J.\,J.\thinspace Koliha} and \textit{V.\,Rakočević}, Linear Algebra Appl.\ 418, No.\,1, 11--14 (2006; Zbl 1104.15001)].