Find a basis for the kernel of the matrix

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a basis for the kernel of a given matrix, specifically a 2x5 matrix. Participants are exploring the concept of the kernel in the context of linear transformations and how to derive vectors that span this kernel.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of the kernel and its implications for the given matrix. There are attempts to express the kernel in terms of equations derived from the matrix, leading to questions about how to represent the kernel vectors and their linear independence.

Discussion Status

Some participants have successfully identified vectors that span the kernel and are discussing their linear independence. There is an ongoing exploration of how to formally establish these vectors as a basis for the kernel.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of needing to understand the definition of the kernel and how it relates to the equations formed from the matrix. The discussion also reflects on the number of vectors needed for a basis in relation to the dimensionality of the kernel.

yeland404
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Homework Statement



find a basis of the kernel of the matrix that
1 2 0 3 5
0 0 1 4 6

Homework Equations



how the vectors are linearly independent and span the kernel

The Attempt at a Solution


Does it mean I need to samplify the 1 2 0 3 5
0 0 1 4 6
into 1 0
0 1
I can not understand the statement
 
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Do you not know the definition of kernel? If so, the first thing you should thought is "Oh, wow, look at that strange word. I had better look up its definition in my textbook!":biggrin:

The kernel of a linear transformation is the space of all vectors it maps to 0. Here, that would be
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}1 & 2 & 0 & 3 & 5 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 4 & 6\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}a \\ b \\ c \\ d \\ e\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].

That is the same as the two equations a+ 2b+ 3d+ 5e= 0 and c+ 4d+ 6e= 0. You can use those two equations to solve for two of the variables in terms of the other three so all vectors in the kernel can be written in terms of three vectors. What are those three vectors?
 
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HallsofIvy said:
Do you not know the definition of kernel? If so, the first thing you should thought is "Oh, wow, look at that strange word. I had better look up its definition in my textbook!":biggrin:

The kernel of a linear transformation is the space of all vectors it maps to 0. Here, that would be
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}1 & 2 & 0 & 3 & 5 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 & 4 & 6\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}a \\ b \\ c \\ d \\ e\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix}[/tex].

That is the same as the two equations a+ 2b+ 3d+ 5e= 0 and c+ 4d+ 6e= 0. You can use those two equations to solve for two of the variables in terms of the other three so all vectors in the kernel can be written in terms of three vectors. What are those three vectors?


yes,I understand the define of kernel, then it turns to be kernel(T)= [tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2\\ 1 \\ 0 \\ 0 \\ 0\end{bmatrix}t+\begin{bmatrix}-3\\ 0 \\ -4 \\ 1 \\ 0\end{bmatrix}r+\begin{bmatrix}-5 \\ 0 \\ -6 \\ 0 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}s[/tex], while set b= t, d=r, e=s, so now there are the three vectors in kernel. But, how to deal with the Basis?
 
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The three vectors are a basis for the kernel. By observation I can see that they are linearly independent, and there are three of them, which is how many you need for a basis for the kernel of your linear transformation.
 

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