Composition of Linear Transformations

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the composition of linear transformations involving polynomial spaces, specifically the mappings of derivatives and integrals between different polynomial degrees. The original poster presents two questions regarding the computation of transformation matrices for these mappings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the matrix product for the composition of transformations and questions whether the coefficients obtained from applying transformations to polynomials are sufficient to form a complete matrix. They also inquire about the validity of their approach when encountering zero coordinate vectors.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the number of vectors in polynomial spaces and the relationship between linear operators and matrices. There is an ongoing exploration of the transformation matrix from one basis to another, with some uncertainty expressed about the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions using standard basis vectors for polynomials and expresses confusion about the completeness of their transformation results. There is also a note about a misunderstanding regarding the transformation's output space.

trap101
Messages
339
Reaction score
0
Hi,

Two questions:

1) Compute the matrix product corresponding to the composition of the transformations. Let
U = P4(R) [polynomial degree 4], V = P3(R) , and W = P2, and let S = d/dx (derivative) and T = d/dx (derivative). Then the composition TS = d^2/dx^2 (second deriv)

Attempt: Now I'm assuming that we are using the standard basis vectors of the respective polynomials. So I apply the transformations to the respective polynomials. I forgot to mention S: U-->V , T: V-->W.

now applying the transformation to P4 I get: 4ax^3 + 3bx^2 + 2cx + d. From here I'm suppose to write this vector as a linear combination of the basis vectors, but my issue (if it is one) is that this is the only vector I have in P4 (trying to prove the general case), so am I safe to assume that the coeffcients that I get will be all that I have as my transformation vector from U-->V ? i.e: the coordinate vector? I thought I was suppose to get a full matrix? Once I get this part obviously the second part will follow. Help!



2) Let V = P3(R) and W = P4(R). Let D: W-->V be the derivative mapping D(p) = p', and let Int: V-->W be the integration mapping Int(p) = "integral sign" p(t) dt. Let "alpha" = {1,x,x^2,x^3} and "beta" = {1,x,x^2,x^3,x^4} be the standard bases in V and W. Compute transformation matrix "beta" to "alpha".

Attempt: Ok so I apply the transformation to the elements of "beta" individually. Now I get D(1) = 0, D(x) = 1, D(x^2) = 2x...etc. Now I wrote each individual transformation as a linear combination of the standard basis in "alpha" and I get a bunch of coordinate vectors, but one set of these coordinate vectors is all 0's. Is this the right approach or am I missing smoething?


Thanks for your guys help
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You have 5 vectors in P4, i.e., x^4, x^3, x^2, x^1, x^0
 
I just realized my mistake, I meant to say "apply the transformation to P4, then I end up in P3"
 
You need to study the relationship between linear operators and matrices. It's explained e.g. in post #3 in this thread. (Ignore the quote and the stuff below it).

Edit: It's not clear to me what's meant by the transformation matrix from beta to alpha.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K