Confirm Subspace: 2x2 Matrices B Where B[1 -1]^t=0

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether specific sets of 2x2 matrices constitute subspaces of the vector space M2x2. The original poster examines two sets: one defined by matrices with a determinant of 1 and another defined by matrices that satisfy the equation B[1 -1]^t=0.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the criteria for a subspace to both sets, questioning whether the zero matrix is included and whether the closure properties under addition and scalar multiplication hold. Some participants question the definitions and forms of the matrices involved, particularly regarding the notation and assumptions made about the matrices in the set.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's reasoning, providing feedback on the application of subspace criteria. There is a mix of agreement and disagreement on the interpretations of the conditions necessary for a subspace, with some suggesting a need for clearer proofs and logical connections.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the notation used for the matrices and the specific conditions that need to be satisfied for the set of matrices B to be considered a subspace. Participants are also addressing the implications of the zero matrix and the forms of matrices U and V in relation to the set being discussed.

pyroknife
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Which of the following is a subspace of M2x2 (the vector space of 2x2 matrices. and explain why or why not:
1) Set of 2x2 matrices A such that det(A)=1
2) set of 2x2 matrices B such that B[1 -1]^t=0 vector
To check if something is a subspace I must satisfy 3 conditions (applied for matrix A):
1) 0 matrix is A
2) If U and V are in A then U+V is in A
3) if V is in A then cV is in A for some scalar c.
The above is analogous for matrix B.

For 1) Set of 2x2 matrices A such that det(A)=1
The 0 matrix is not in this set because the determinant is 0 which ≠1, thus the set of 2x2 matrices A is not a subspace.

Is this correct?
For 2) set of 2x2 matrices B such that B[1 -1]^t=0 vector
The 0 matrix is in this set because the matrix 2x2 consisting of all 0s multiplied by [1 -1]^t is =0.

Now I want to make sure I'm correctly applying the latter 2 conditions.
If U and V are in this set, then the following is true.
If U*[1 -1]^t=0 and V*[1 -1]^t=0
U+V=(U+V)[1 -1]^t. Since U and V are 0, U+V=0. thus U+V=(0+0)[1 -1]^t.=0, thus U+V is in B?

For condition 3: if V1*[1 -1]^t=0 is in the set, then cV must be in the set for it to be a subspace.
cV1*[1 -1]^t=c*0*[1 -1]^t=0, thus cV is in the set?

Thus the set of 2x2 matrices B such that B[1 -1]^t=0 vector is a subspace.
 
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pyroknife said:
If U and V are in B, then they're of the following form
If U=U1*[1 -1]^t=0 and V=V1*[1 -1]^t=0
First, B is not the set of interest. It is used as an example of one of the matrices. No letter has been assigned to the set, so let's call it S.
If U is in S it means U*[1 -1]^t=0. U is not of the form U1*[1 -1]^t, and it is not usually 0.
 
haruspex said:
First, B is not the set of interest. It is used as an example of one of the matrices. No letter has been assigned to the set, so let's call it S.
If U is in S it means U*[1 -1]^t=0. U is not of the form U1*[1 -1]^t, and it is not usually 0.

Thanks.

I edited my original post. Does it look better?
 
pyroknife said:
Thanks.

I edited my original post. Does it look better?

Please do not edit your original post and just reply.
 
pyroknife said:
If U and V are in this set, then the following is true.
If U*[1 -1]^t=0 and V*[1 -1]^t=0
Yes.
U+V=(U+V)[1 -1]^t.
No it doesn't
Since U and V are 0, U+V=0.
No they aren't
thus U+V=(0+0)[1 -1]^t.=0,
No it isn't.
Stop and think... what do you have to prove about U+V that would imply it is in S?
 
haruspex said:
Yes.

No it doesn't

No they aren't

No it isn't.
Stop and think... what do you have to prove about U+V that would imply it is in S?

I have to prove that the addition of two things in S must be in S in order for it to be a subspace.

Instead of U+V=(U+V)[1 -1]^t. , I should've written:
U*[1 -1]^t +V*[1 -1]^t=0=(U+V)*[1 -1]^t=0
(0+0)*[1 -1]^t=0
Thus U*[1 -1]^t +V*[1 -1]^t is in S.

Is this the right idea?
 
pyroknife said:
I have to prove that the addition of two things in S must be in S in order for it to be a subspace.

Instead of U+V=(U+V)[1 -1]^t. , I should've written:
U*[1 -1]^t +V*[1 -1]^t=0=(U+V)*[1 -1]^t=0
Yes, and if you just rearrange that sequence you will have a logical proof. But what has the next line to do with anything?
(0+0)*[1 -1]^t=0
Thus U*[1 -1]^t +V*[1 -1]^t is in S.
No, you're not trying to prove U*[1 -1]^t +V*[1 -1]^t is in S. You want to show U+V is in S.
 

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