Column Space Problem: Obtain CS(B)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around obtaining the column space of a given matrix B, specifically focusing on identifying the relevant vectors and their linear independence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to identify pivot columns through row reduction to determine the column space. There are mentions of linear combinations and the implications for linear independence among the vectors involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring different methods to find the column space, including row reduction and linear combination approaches. There is a recognition of the complexity surrounding the linear independence of certain vectors, with some guidance provided on the relationship between the vectors.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express challenges with the row reduction method not aligning with expected results, and there is a consideration of the implications of using additional vectors in determining linear independence.

JamesGoh
Messages
140
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Obtain the column space of the following matrix

B = 2 -3 -1

2 -3 -1

-3 3 2


Homework Equations




Linear independence test

c1V1 + c2V2 + ... + cnVn = 0

c1=c2=...cn=0

The Attempt at a Solution



Please see attachment

I cannot get the answer which is CS(B) = span{ (2,2,-3)^T, (1,1,-1)^T } where T denotes transpose


The (1,1,-1)^T can be realized by adding a(2,2,-3)^T and c(-1,-1,2)^T together (where a=c) and setting a=1

but the problem is that it destroys the linear independence of (1,1,-1)^T since it depends on (2,2,-3)^T to generate the result
 

Attachments

Physics news on Phys.org
So if you want to find the column space, you have to find the column vectors. To do this, you need to identify which columns are pivot columns by row reducing your matrix B. once this is done, the column space will simply be the span of these vectors. you can check the linear independence of these vectors pretty simply.

also, when you're worrying about the vector (1,1,-1)^T depending on the other one, you have to take into account that you're using a second vector to get to (1,1,-1)^T (namely the vector (-1, -1, 2)^T). You would need to worry if you could somehow form one vector purely from one of your other ones. make sense?
 
Whitishcube said:
So if you want to find the column space, you have to find the column vectors. To do this, you need to identify which columns are pivot columns by row reducing your matrix B. once this is done, the column space will simply be the span of these vectors. you can check the linear independence of these vectors pretty simply.

I tried using Gauss-Jordan elimination method, but it doesn't put it in the form that the answer gives

This is why I used the linear cominbation method


Whitishcube said:
also, when you're worrying about the vector (1,1,-1)^T depending on the other one, you have to take into account that you're using a second vector to get to (1,1,-1)^T (namely the vector (-1, -1, 2)^T). You would need to worry if you could somehow form one vector purely from one of your other ones. make sense?

Okay a vector in a set is linearly independent if it cannot be formed by the linear combination of any other vectors in that same set. The (1,1,-1)^T must depend on the
(-1, -1, 2)^T, which is outside the spanning set given in the answers.

This is why (1,1,-1)^T is linearly independent of (2,2,-3)^T

right ?
 
JamesGoh said:
I tried using Gauss-Jordan elimination method, but it doesn't put it in the form that the answer gives

This is why I used the linear cominbation method




Okay a vector in a set is linearly independent if it cannot be formed by the linear combination of any other vectors in that same set. The (1,1,-1)^T must depend on the
(-1, -1, 2)^T, which is outside the spanning set given in the answers.

This is why (1,1,-1)^T is linearly independent of (2,2,-3)^T

right ?
Two vectors are linearlydependent if and only if one is a multiple of the other. (2, 2, 3) clearly is not a multiple of (1, 1, -1).
 
The whole point of the row reduction is to find which columns are pivot columns. Once you identify those, you have to go back to the original matrix for the actual vectors that will form the basis. The row reduction will tell you which column, but the actual matrix tells you the vector corresponding to the pivot column.

Your reasoning is pretty sound for linear independence. Just be careful about which vectors you're actually trying to form. Also keep in mind that there are multiple bases that are possible for this kind of problem...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
7K