10.3 Determine if A is in the span B

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on determining whether the vector \( A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ 2 \end{bmatrix} \) is in the span of the set of vectors \( B \). The scope includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of linear combinations of vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the problem can be approached by finding scalars \( c_1 \) and \( c_2 \) such that \( c_1 \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix} + c_2 \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ 1 \end{bmatrix} = \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ 2 \end{bmatrix} \).
  • Another participant calculates the resulting equations and concludes that they are inconsistent, indicating that \( A \notin \mathrm{span} B \).
  • A different approach is proposed where \( B \) is defined to include an additional vector, leading to a new set of equations. This participant claims to find a solution with \( c_1 = 1, c_2 = -1, c_3 = 3 \), suggesting that \( A \in \mathrm{span} B \).
  • There is a correction regarding the missing "+" signs in the equations, emphasizing the importance of proper notation in defining the span.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether \( A \) is in the span of \( B \), with one asserting it is not and another claiming it is, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the definitions and formulations of the span, as well as the correctness of the equations presented by participants.

karush
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Determine if $A=\begin{bmatrix}
1\\3\\2
\end{bmatrix}$ is in the span $B=\left\{\begin{bmatrix}
2\\1\\0
\end{bmatrix}
\cdot
\begin{bmatrix}
1\\1\\1
\end{bmatrix}\right\}$

ok I added A and B to this for the OP
but from examples it looks like this can be answered by scalors so if

$c_1\begin{bmatrix}
2\\1\\0
\end{bmatrix}
+
c_2\begin{bmatrix}
1\\1\\1
\end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}
1\\3\\2
\end{bmatrix}$
 
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Hi karush.

So you have
$$\begin{eqnarray}2c_1 &+& c_2 &=& 1 \\ c_1 &+& c_2 &=& 3 \\ {} & {} & c_2 &=& 2.\end{eqnarray}$$
If you substitute $c_2=2$ from the last equation into the first two equations, you get two different values for $c_1$. Hence the above set of equations is inconsistent (has no solutions) showing that $\mathbf A\notin\mathrm{span}B$.
 
Lets try this one... if $A=
\begin{bmatrix}
1\\3\\2
\end{bmatrix}$ is in the span $B=\left\{\begin{bmatrix}
2\\1\\0
\end{bmatrix}
\cdot
\begin{bmatrix}
1\\1\\1
\end{bmatrix}
\cdot
\begin{bmatrix}
0\\1\\1
\end{bmatrix}\right\}$
then
$\begin{array}{rrrrr}
2c_1 &+ c_2 & & =1 \\
c_1 &+ c_2 & +c_3 & =3 \\
& c_2 & +c_3 & =2
\end{array}$
Solving $c_1=1, c_2=−1, c_3=3$
so $A\in\mathrm{span}B$
 
Last edited:
You are missing some "+" signs, aren't you?

Yes, the definition of "span" requires that
$2c_1+ c_2= 1$
$c_1+ c_2+ c_3= 3$ and
$c_2+ c_3= 2$
 

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