Did My Matrix Calculations Lead to the Correct Solution?

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    Confused Matrix
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around matrix calculations, specifically focusing on row-reduction and the concept of subspaces within vector spaces. The original poster presents a matrix and their resulting calculations, seeking validation of their process and understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of "solving" a matrix and the process of row-reducing to row-echelon form. The original poster acknowledges a misunderstanding and seeks further clarification on subspaces, indicating a lack of confidence in their approach.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with some participants questioning the original poster's understanding of matrix operations and others providing definitions related to subspaces. There is an indication of productive engagement as the original poster expresses a desire for help with additional questions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster did not provide a clear statement of the problem initially, which led to confusion. There is also a mention of notation related to subspaces that is causing confusion for the original poster.

elle
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I've been asked to solve the following matrix and find the solutions but I'm not sure if I've reached the correct 'end' matrix.

Original matrix:

1 2 -1 3
-1 3 4 10
-1 1 -2 8

The last matrix I got after my calculations:

1 2 -1 3
0 1 1 11/3
0 0 8 26/3

:confused:

Thanks for reading
 
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What do you mean by "solving" a matrix? I know how to solve equations and I know, more generally, how to solve problems but I don't know what is meant by solving a matrix.
You appear to be row-reducing a matrix to row-echelon form. If so that is certainly not what I get. How about stating exactly what the problem is and showing your work?
 
oh its okay, I've managed to work out where I went wrong. Sorry for not stating the problem clearly :rolleyes:

Erm but I have two more questions to ask, and was wondering if anyone can offer me some help or hints. I haven't got any working for this because I really do not have any idea how to approach the answer.

Can anyone explain to me what a subspace is? I've got notes on it but I'm confused with all the notation etc. Thanks in advance!

http://tinypic.com/f1mp3b.jpg"
 
Last edited by a moderator:
elle said:
...
Can anyone explain to me what a subspace is?
...
A subspace of a vector space is just a subset of the vectors in the space that are also a vector space. For example, R2 is a 2-dimensional vector space. The set of vectors (x,y) that satisfy the equation y=x is a subspace of R2 but the set of vectors (x,y) that satisfy x2 + y2 = 1 is not.
 

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