Is Vector b in the Span of u1, u2, and u3?

In summary, the span of a set of 3D vectors refers to the set of all possible linear combinations of those vectors, which can be reached by scaling and adding them together. To calculate the span, one can use Gaussian elimination to reduce the set to its row-echelon form, with the number of non-zero rows in the reduced matrix corresponding to the dimension of the span. Geometrically, the span represents the subspace generated by the vectors, which can be a plane, line, or point depending on the dimension. The span can be infinite if the vectors are linearly independent, meaning there are an infinite number of combinations that can reach any point in the span. Lastly, the concept of the span is closely related to
  • #1
lordy12
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1. Given b = (-2,3,7), u1= (4,-1,5) and u2= (3,1,3) and u3 = (5,02), determine if vector b is in the span of the remaining vectors



Homework Equations





3. You just solve for three equations with three unknowns? -2x + 4y + 3z = 5, 3x - y + z = 0, 7x + 5y + 3z = 2
 
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  • #2
Those are the equations to determine if u3 is in the span of b, u1 and u2. Which is not quite the same question.
 

1. What is the definition of the "span" of a set of 3D vectors?

The span of a set of 3D vectors refers to the set of all possible linear combinations of those vectors. In other words, it is the space that can be reached by scaling and adding together the vectors in the set.

2. How do you calculate the span of a set of 3D vectors?

To calculate the span of a set of 3D vectors, you can use the Gaussian elimination method to reduce the set to its row-echelon form. The number of non-zero rows in the reduced matrix will correspond to the dimension of the span.

3. What is the geometric interpretation of the span of a set of 3D vectors?

The span of a set of 3D vectors represents the subspace that is spanned or generated by those vectors. This subspace can be thought of as a plane, line, or point in 3D space depending on the dimension of the span.

4. Can the span of a set of 3D vectors be infinite?

Yes, the span of a set of 3D vectors can be infinite if the vectors are linearly independent. This means that there are an infinite number of possible combinations of the vectors that can be used to reach any point in the span.

5. How does the concept of the span of a set of 3D vectors relate to linear independence?

The span of a set of 3D vectors is closely related to linear independence. If the vectors in the set are linearly independent, then the span will be a unique subspace in 3D space. However, if the vectors are linearly dependent, then the span will be a lower-dimensional subspace or even a single point.

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