Can This Matrix Represent a Linear Transformation?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the nature of linear transformations represented by matrices, specifically whether a given matrix can represent a linear transformation and the conditions under which this is valid. Participants explore concepts related to the identity matrix and the characteristics of matrix transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if a specific matrix can represent a linear transformation and whether it must conform to the identity matrix.
  • Another participant explains that any matrix can represent a linear transformation from R^m to R^n, providing a mathematical framework for understanding this relationship.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the terms "identity matrix" and "matrix transformation," seeking clarification on their definitions.
  • There is a suggestion that the original poster may be conflating the general concept of a matrix with the notion of an invertible matrix.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the definitions and implications of matrix transformations, with some expressing confusion and others providing differing explanations.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of "matrix transformation" and the relationship to the identity matrix, as well as potential misunderstandings about the nature of linear transformations.

seansrk
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Question about linear transformations if you have a matrix such as

| 5 6 9 |
| 5 0 3 |
| 9 -3 -7 |

Can it be a matrix transformation? Or does it have to follow the identity matrix?
Can be a transformation and the "y" transformation being just makes the it flat on the y axis? or does it have to be a form of the identity matrix?

Or am I totally misunderstanding this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
A matrix is a linear transformation expressed with respect to a basis for the source space and the target space.

Given a linear transformation [itex]T:\mathbb{F}^n \to \mathbb{F}^m[/itex], the corresponding matrix written with respect to a basis [itex]\alpha[/itex] for the source space and a basis [itex]\beta[/itex] for the target space is as follows:

[itex] \left[<br /> \begin{array}{cccc}<br /> [T(\alpha_1)]_\beta & [T(\alpha_2)]_\beta & ... & [T(\alpha_n)]_\beta<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right][/itex]

The theory behind this is as follows. Since any vector in a given vector space can be expressed as a linear combination of a set of basis vectors for that vector space, we need only transform an arbitrary basis to capture the transformation.

Given some vector [itex]v \in \mathbb{F}^n[/itex] and a basis [itex]\alpha[/itex] we can write [itex]v = a_1\alpha_1 + a_2\alpha_2 + ... + a_n\alpha_n[/itex]. Then [itex]v[/itex] transformed is as follows

[itex] \begin{eqnarray*}<br /> T(v) &=& T(a_1\alpha_1 + a_2\alpha_2 + ... + a_n\alpha_n) \\<br /> &=& T(a_1\alpha_1) + T(a_2\alpha_2) + ... + T(a_n\alpha_n) \\<br /> &=& a_1T(\alpha_1) + a_2T(\alpha_2) + ... + a_nT(\alpha_n) <br /> \end{eqnarray*}[/itex]
 
seansrk said:
Question about linear transformations if you have a matrix such as

| 5 6 9 |
| 5 0 3 |
| 9 -3 -7 |

Can it be a matrix transformation? Or does it have to follow the identity matrix?
Can be a transformation and the "y" transformation being just makes the it flat on the y axis? or does it have to be a form of the identity matrix?

Or am I totally misunderstanding this?
I don't understand your questions. I don't know what you mean by "follow the identity matrix" or "a form of the identity matrix". Also, how do you define "matrix transformation" if you don't mean "a function defined by a matrix"?
 
Any m by n matrix is a linear transformation from [itex]R^m[/itex] to [itex]R^n[/itex].

What you have given is a perfectly good linear transformation- although the way you have written it, with the "straight" vertical sides, makes it look more like a determinant than a matrix!

The matrix you give represents the linear transformation that maps a vector, [itex]a\vec{i}+ b\vec{j}+ c\vec{k}[itex]into [itex]a(5\vec{i}+ 5\vec{j}+ 9\vec{k})+ b(6\vec{i}- 3\vec{k})+ c(9\vec{i}+ 3\vec{j}- 7\vec{kl})[/itex][itex]= (5a+ 6b+ 9c)\vec{i}+ (5a+ 3b)\vec{i}+ (9a- 3b- 7c)\vec{k}[/itex].<br /> <br /> I wonder if you aren't confusing "matrix", in general, with "invertible matrix".[/itex][/itex]
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
27
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K