Determinant of matrix of linear transformation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the determinant of a matrix associated with a linear transformation T defined on polynomial functions and vector spaces. The original poster presents a transformation T: P2->P2, specifically T(f) = -5f + 8f', and seeks to determine the matrix representation and its determinant.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the representation of polynomials in a given basis and how the transformation affects these representations. There are attempts to derive the matrix A from the transformation and calculate its determinant. Questions arise regarding the correctness of the transformation's formulation and the impact of coefficients on the matrix.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing corrections and alternative formulations of the transformation. Some participants express confusion over the calculations and seek clarification on the assumptions regarding the basis and the transformation's effects.

Contextual Notes

There are instances where participants question the definitions and assumptions about the vectors involved in the transformations, particularly in cases where specific vectors are not provided. This leads to discussions about the implications of using arbitrary vectors versus standard basis vectors.

freetonik
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Homework Statement


Linear transformation T: P2->P2
T(f) = -5f + 8f'
Need to find detA (A is a matrix of T)

Homework Equations



T(f) = Af

The Attempt at a Solution


The basis of P2 is B={1, x, x2}. Some polynomial f with respect to B looks like this in general:

(a, b, c)T

right? So, T(f) = -(a, b, c)T + 8 (0, b, 2c)T = (-a, 7b, c)T.

So, A*(a, b, c)T = (-a, 7b, c)T, therefore A =

1 0 0
0 7 0
0 0 1

And detA = -7. This is how I was thinking about it, but the answer is wrong and I am confused :(
 
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freetonik said:
So, T(f) = -(a, b, c)T + 8 (0, b, 2c)T

What happened to the factor of 5 from T(f)=-5f+8f'?
 
Oh!
Thanks!
It always happens to me.

So, fixing that mistake, T(f)=

-5a
3b
11c

And A becomes:

-5 0 0
0 3 0
0 0 11

and detA = -165 and it is still wrong :(
 
Well, if f(x)=a+bx+cx^2, then f'(x)=b+2cx

So, if you are representing your basis functions as

x^0\to\begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \;\;\;\;\text{and}\;\;\;\; x^1\to\begin{pmatrix}0 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \;\;\;\text{and}\;\;\;\; x^2\to\begin{pmatrix}0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}

Then you have f(x)\to\begin{pmatrix}a \\ b \\ c \end{pmatrix} and f'(x)\to\begin{pmatrix}b \\ 2c \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}
 
Okay, thank you again!
Now I have:

-5(a, b, c)T + 8 (b, 2c, 0)T =

-5a+8b
-5a+16c
-5a

And:

A(a, b, c)T = (-5a+8b, -5a+16c, -5a)T, so A=

-5 8 0
-5 0 16
-5 0 0

detA = -640 and it is still wrong :(((
 
freetonik said:
Okay, thank you again!
Now I have:

-5(a, b, c)T + 8 (b, 2c, 0)T =

-5a+8b
-5a+16c
-5a

Errm...

-5\begin{pmatrix}a \\ b \\ c \end{pmatrix}+8\begin{pmatrix}b \\ 2c \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix}-5a+8b \\ -5b+16c \\ -5c \end{pmatrix}
 
Oh, I'm dumb! Thank you very much!
 
There is a similar problem I cannot figure out..

T(f(t)) = f(2t) - 3f(t)

Again need to find detA.

In this case I don't even know how to start...
 
Is T again a mapping from P2 to P2?

If so, do it in the same way, just with t as the variable instead of x... if f(t)=a+bt+ct^2, what is f(2t)?
 
  • #10
f(2t) = a + b2t = c2t2?
 
  • #11
freetonik said:
f(2t) = a + b2t = c2t2?
No. If f(t) = a + bt + ct2, then f(2t) = a + b*2t + c(2t)2. This can be simplified.
 
  • #12
Thank you very much!
 
  • #13
Sorry, I've faced one more problem...
There is T: R2->R2, s.t. T(V1)=8V2, and T(V2)=-4V1.

Need to find detA.

This is how I started thinking:
AV1=8V2 => A=8V2 / V1
AV2=-4V1 => A=-4V1 / V2

Don't know how to think further...
 
  • #14
freetonik said:
Sorry, I've faced one more problem...
There is T: R2->R2, s.t. T(V1)=8V2, and T(V2)=-4V1.

Okay, and what are V_1 and V_2?
 
  • #15
They are just some vectors in R2, they're not given.
 
  • #16
freetonik said:
They are just some vectors in R2, they're not given.

I don't believe that. If this was true for all V_1 and V_2 in \mathbf{R}^2, then the matrix A would have to be full of zeroes. You'd need only look at some case where V_2=V_1 to prove that to yourself.

I suspect that they are supposed to represent the basis vectors of \mathbf{R}^2. In which case, you might as well look at two orthogonal basis vectors

V_1\to\begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} \;\;\;\;\text{and}\;\;\;\; V_2\to\begin{pmatrix}0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}
 
  • #18
freetonik said:
This is how the problem stated:
http://imgur.com/bU4b7.png

Okay, so they are some specific vectors, you just aren't told exactly what they are.

In that case, just say

V_1\to\begin{pmatrix}a_1 \\ b_1\end{pmatrix} \;\;\;\;\text{and}\;\;\;\; V_2\to\begin{pmatrix}a_2 \\ b_2\end{pmatrix}

and go from there.
 

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