Characteristic polynomial and polynomial vector space

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the characteristic polynomial of the linear transformation defined by the map \( f(v) = v(2-t) \) within the vector space \( V = \mathbb{R}_{2}[t] \). Participants confirm that \( f \) is an endomorphism of \( V \) but note that it maps polynomials of degree at most 2 into polynomials of degree at most 3, complicating the calculation of the characteristic polynomial. The standard basis for \( V \) is identified as \( \{1, t, t^2\} \), and the transformation results in outputs that exceed the expected degree, leading to confusion regarding the matrix representation of \( f \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear transformations and endomorphisms in vector spaces
  • Familiarity with polynomial vector spaces, specifically \( \mathbb{R}_{2}[t] \)
  • Knowledge of characteristic polynomials and their calculation
  • Ability to represent linear transformations as matrices
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to compute the characteristic polynomial of a linear transformation in non-square matrices
  • Study the implications of mapping polynomials of degree \( n \) to degree \( n+1 \)
  • Explore the concept of endomorphisms in polynomial spaces
  • Investigate the process of constructing matrices for linear transformations that do not preserve the degree of polynomials
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in linear algebra, particularly those focusing on polynomial vector spaces and characteristic polynomials, as well as anyone involved in advanced mathematical transformations and their properties.

Caims
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let [tex]V:= ℝ_{2}[t][/tex]
[tex]V \in f: v \mapsto f(v) \in V, \forall v \in V (f(v))(t) := v(2-t)[/tex]
a) Check that [tex]f \in End(V)[/tex]
b) Calculate the characteristic polynomial of f.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


a) Is it sufficient to check that [tex](f+g)(t)=f(t)+g(t)[/tex] ?
b) Standard basis of polynomials is [tex]1+t+t^2[/tex], so [tex]f(1)=(2-t) \\ f(t)=2t - t^2 \\ f(t^2)=2t^2-t^3[/tex]

What should I do next? What's up with [tex]t^3[/tex] ? (The space is of polynomials of degree at most 2). How do I calculate this map into a matrix ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Caims said:

Homework Statement


Let [tex]V:= ℝ_{2}[t][/tex]
[tex]V \in f: v \mapsto f(v) \in V, \forall v \in V (f(v))(t) := v(2-t)[/tex]
a) Check that [tex]f \in End(V)[/tex]
b) Calculate the characteristic polynomial of f.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


a) Is it sufficient to check that [tex](f+g)(t)=f(t)+g(t)[/tex] ?
b) Standard basis of polynomials is [tex]1+t+t^2[/tex], so [tex]f(1)=(2-t) \\ f(t)=2t - t^2 \\ f(t^2)=2t^2-t^3[/tex]

What should I do next? What's up with [tex]t^3[/tex] ? (The space is of polynomials of degree at most 2). How do I calculate this map into a matrix ?

Well, as you've observed, the given map doesn't take second degree polynomial into second degree polynomials, it maps them into the space of third degree polynomials. That wouldn't stop you from writing a matrix for it, but it won't be square. Not sure what to do with the rest of the question at all.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K