Confirm the row vectors of A are orthogonal to the solution vectors?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on confirming that the row vectors of matrix A are orthogonal to the solution vectors of the linear system defined by the equations: x1 + x2 + x3 = 0, 2x1 + 2x2 + 2x3 = 0, and 3x1 + 3x2 + 3x3 = 0. The general solution to this system is expressed as x1 = t + s, x2 = t, and x3 = s, with a solution space dimension of 2. To demonstrate orthogonality, one must show that the dot product of each row vector of A with the solution vector x equals zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically vector spaces and orthogonality.
  • Familiarity with matrix representation of linear systems.
  • Knowledge of dot products and their geometric interpretations.
  • Ability to manipulate and solve linear equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of orthogonal vectors in linear algebra.
  • Learn about matrix multiplication and its application in solving linear systems.
  • Explore the concept of the null space and its relation to solution vectors.
  • Practice calculating dot products to confirm orthogonality in various contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Students of linear algebra, educators teaching vector spaces, and anyone seeking to understand the relationship between row vectors and solution vectors in linear systems.

lacrotix
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HI there. I'm taking Linear Algebra classes right now and this question has been bugging me.

Homework Statement



Find a general solution to the system, state the dimension of the solution space, and confirm the row vectors of A are orthogonal to the solution vectors.

The given system is:
(x1) + (x2) + (x3) = 0
2(x1) + 2(x2) + 2(x3) = 0
3(x1) + 3(x2) + 3(x3) = 0

The Attempt at a Solution



This last part about confirming vectors are orthogonal (bolded) confuses me. I have found the general solution can be written as

(x1) = t + s
(x2) = t
(x3) = s

And that the dimension of the solution is 2, since there are two vectors. But I do not understand how to do the last part of the question. What is it asking? Any guidance would be appreciated.
 
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Your "solution" doesn't work in the first equation (nor the others).
 
The system can be written as a matrix multiplication Ax=0. A row vector is simply a row of the matrix A. You want to show that each of these row vectors is perpendicular to the solution x. As LCKurtz noted, you need to get that right first.
 

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