Another Linear Algebra proof about linear transformations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a proof related to linear transformations in linear algebra. The original poster presents a statement regarding a linear transformation T from vector space V to vector space W, with specified dimensions for both spaces. The goal is to prove that a set of transformed basis vectors spans the image of T.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of the dimensions of V and W, questioning whether the basis set should contain m or n vectors. There is an exploration of the linear independence of the transformed vectors and their relationship to the image of T. Some participants suggest that the proof should focus on showing that any vector in the image can be expressed as a linear combination of the transformed basis vectors.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering various interpretations and approaches. Some have provided insights into the structure of the proof, while others are clarifying the requirements of the proof regarding linear independence and spanning. There is no explicit consensus yet, but the discussion is progressing with constructive feedback.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted uncertainty regarding the notation used for the dimensions of the vector spaces, which may affect the interpretation of the basis set. Additionally, participants are considering the implications of the linear transformation's properties on the proof structure.

brushman
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Homework Statement


Given:
T is a linear transformation from V -> W and the dim(V) = n and dim(W) = m

Prove:
If β = {v1, ..., vm} is a basis of V, then { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } spans the image of T.
NOTE: because of bad hand writing I can't tell if the bold is suppose to be an 'm' or an 'n'. I think 'm' because that makes more sense to me.

The Attempt at a Solution



Let A = { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } .

We must show that the vectors in A are L.I., and that the dim(A) is m.

If we show the vectors of A are L.I. then since there are m vectors we know the dimension is m.

Then there must be only the trivial solution to c1T(v1) + ... + cmT(vm) = 0 .
Or, by linearity, T(c1v1 + ... + cmvm) = 0 .

Note: I don't think I can jump straight to the next step. (in a similar thread of mine I did so by utilizing the fact that the null space is 0).

Since the vectors v1...vm form a basis, they are L.I. and only the trivial solution exists.

Therefore span(A) = Im(T).
 
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brushman said:

Homework Statement


Given:
T is a linear transformation from V -> W and the dim(V) = n and dim(W) = m

Prove:
If β = {v1, ..., vm} is a basis of V, then { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } spans the image of T.
NOTE: because of bad hand writing I can't tell if the bold is suppose to be an 'm' or an 'n'. I think 'm' because that makes more sense to me.
But it doesn't make sense to me. It's given that dim(V) = n, so any basis for V must have n vectors. So β = {v1, ..., vn}.

From this, the set of image vectors must be { T(v1), ..., T(vn) }
brushman said:

The Attempt at a Solution



Let A = { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } .

We must show that the vectors in A are L.I., and that the dim(A) is m.

If we show the vectors of A are L.I. then since there are m vectors we know the dimension is m.

Then there must be only the trivial solution to c1T(v1) + ... + cmT(vm) = 0 .
Or, by linearity, T(c1v1 + ... + cmvm) = 0 .

Note: I don't think I can jump straight to the next step. (in a similar thread of mine I did so by utilizing the fact that the null space is 0).

Since the vectors v1...vm form a basis, they are L.I. and only the trivial solution exists.

Therefore span(A) = Im(T).
 
brushman said:

Homework Statement


Given:
T is a linear transformation from V -> W and the dim(V) = n and dim(W) = m

Prove:
If β = {v1, ..., vm} is a basis of V, then { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } spans the image of T.
NOTE: because of bad hand writing I can't tell if the bold is suppose to be an 'm' or an 'n'. I think 'm' because that makes more sense to me.

The Attempt at a Solution



Let A = { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } .

We must show that the vectors in A are L.I., and that the dim(A) is m.
The problem isn't asking you to show that A is a basis for W. It's asking you to show A spans Im(T). The vectors in A may not, in fact, be independent.
 
Thanks Mark and vela. How does this look:Let A = { T(v1), ..., T(vm) } and β = {v1, ..., vn}.

Since β is a basis of V, all vectors in V can be written as v = c1v1 + ... + cnvn.

Then T(v) = T(c1v1 + ... + cnvn) = c1 T(v1) + ... + cn T(vn).

Because the Im(T) = T(v), and T(v) can be written as a linear combination of the elements of A, A spans Im(T).
 
That's the basic idea. I'd probably slightly reorder it: start the proof with "Let w\in \mathrm{Im}(T)" and show that this implies that w can be written as a linear combination of the vectors in A.
 

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