Easy calculation of basis of the null space

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the basis of the null space of a given 2x4 matrix. Participants are exploring the implications of substituting values into the matrix and how this relates to the null space basis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting values for variables in the matrix and question the implications of these substitutions on the number of basis vectors. There is mention of putting the matrix into Row Reduced Echelon Form and deriving relationships between the variables.

Discussion Status

Some participants are attempting to clarify the process of finding the null space basis, while others are exploring different substitution techniques. There is a mix of understanding and confusion regarding the steps involved, and no consensus has been reached on the correct approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the number of basis vectors and the validity of their substitution methods. The discussion reflects a lack of complete information on how to proceed with the problem effectively.

td21
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Homework Statement


find the basis of the nullspace of this matrix [tex]\begin{pmatrix} 1&1&1&-1 \\ 0&0&1&3 \end{pmatrix}[/tex]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


i forget it.
i first substitue 0 and 1 for last row but what about the first row? Substiute 0 and 1 again and this will give 4 basis? but i think there is only 2 basis.
 
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td21 said:

Homework Statement


find the basis of the nullspace of this matrix [tex]\begin{pmatrix} 1&1&1&-1 \\ 0&0&1&3 \end{pmatrix}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i forget it.
i first substitue 0 and 1 for last row but what about the first row? Substiute 0 and 1 again and this will give 4 basis? but i think there is only 2 basis.

I don't understand what you mean by "Substitute 0 and 1 for the last row". What you need to do is to put this matrix into Row Reduced Echelon Form. This is equivalent to solving the equation:

(1,0)x_1 + (1,0)x_2 + (1,1)x_3 + (-1,3)x_4 = (0,0)

Then, you will have some expressions that relate the values of x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4. Use this to construct a basis for the null space.
 
Equivalently, if you call the vector <x, y, z, w>, you get x+ y+ z- w= 0 and z+ 3w= 0. From the latter, z= -3w. Putting that into the first equation, x+ y+ z- (-3w)= x+ y+ 4w= 0 so x= -y- 4w.

That is, any such vector can be written <x, y, z, w>= <-y- 4w, y, w, -3w> and you can get your basis vectors from that.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Robert1986 said:
I don't understand what you mean by "Substitute 0 and 1 for the last row". What you need to do is to put this matrix into Row Reduced Echelon Form. This is equivalent to solving the equation:

(1,0)x_1 + (1,0)x_2 + (1,1)x_3 + (-1,3)x_4 = (0,0)

Then, you will have some expressions that relate the values of x_1,x_2,x_3,x_4. Use this to construct a basis for the null space.
Well, sub 0 and 1 to free variable technique is done as follow, but failed...
1)From the last row, sub last element as 0, obtain 1 vector: (ab00)
2)From the last row, sub last element as 1, obtain 1 vector: (cd-31)
1*)from1), sub b as o, obtain (0000)[discard]
1**)from1), sub b as 1, obtain (-1100)[1st basis]

2*)from2), sub d as o, obtain (40-31)[2nd basis]
2**)from2), sub d as 1, obatin (31-31)[3rd basis?but it is the 1st basis + 2nd basis?]
 

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