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justa18unlv
Jul22-11, 03:37 PM
I'm stuck on a problem which asks:
Determine whether W is a subspace of R^3. If W is a subspace, then give geometric description of W. The problem is W={x:x3=2x1-x2} and x=[x1, x2, x3]
I tried solving it but I'm having a hard time understanding the properties of R^n and using them. I guess I'm not as good with proof as I'm with numbers. Please help.

HallsofIvy
Jul22-11, 04:05 PM
Because x3= 2x1- x2, any vector in that subspace can be written as [x1, x2, x3]= [x1, x2, 2x1- x2]= [x1, 0, 2x1]+ [0, x2, -x2]= x1[1, 0, 2]+ x2[0, 1, -1].

Can you see what a basis for that subspace is? Of course, 2x1- x2- x3= 0 is the equation of a plane.