Find the matrix representing the transformation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the matrix representations for various transformations in R2, specifically reflections and rotations involving unit vectors. The transformations include reflection in the line y = -x, reflection in the line y = mx, and rotations through specific angles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to determine the transformed images of unit vectors under specified transformations, with some expressing uncertainty about their results and how to format them. Questions arise regarding the correctness of their calculations and the appropriate method to derive transformation matrices.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress on specific parts of the problem, particularly reflections and rotations, while others are still grappling with certain transformations, such as the reflection in the line y = mx. Guidance has been offered on how to approach the problem, particularly in setting up equations for the transformation matrices.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they are working under homework constraints, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is an emphasis on deriving transformation matrices based on the images of unit vectors, and some participants are questioning their assumptions and the setup of their equations.

sara_87
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Hello all, can anyone help me with this question?

Question:

By considering the images of the unit vectors (1 0)T and (0 1)T in R2 under the following transformations, find the matrix representing the transformation.
(i)Reflection in the line y = -x
(ii)Reflection in the line y = mx
(iii)Rotation (anticlockwise) through 60º
(iv)Rotation (anticlockwise) through general angle theta

My Answer:

(i) i drew the x and y-axis and i plotted (1 0)T and (0 1)T then i did the reflection of those pionts with respect to the line y=-x

(ii) STUCK

(iii) i drew the x and y-axis and rotated anti clockwise by 60 degrees

(iv) STUCK

any tips would be much appreciated!
 
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by the way for part (i) i get (0 -1) and (-1 0)...am i supossed to write it out vertically? or is my answer totally wrong?
 
sara_87 said:
by the way for part (i) i get (0 -1) and (-1 0)...am i supossed to write it out vertically? or is my answer totally wrong?

Yea, they should be (0 -1)T and (-1 0)T.

Now, we have the reflections of the unit vectors in the line y=-x, and we wish to find the transformation matrix. We want the transformation matrix, when acting on the unit vectors in turn, to produce the transformed unit vectors.

SO, we can set up the system of equations:

[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}a&b \\c&d \end{array} \right)\left(\begin{array}{c}0\\1\end{array}\right)=\left(\begin{array}{c}-1\\0\end{array}\right)[/tex]
and
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}a&b \\c&d \end{array} \right)\left(\begin{array}{c}1\\0\end{array}\right)=\left(\begin{array}{c}0\\-1\end{array}\right)[/tex]

From this, we obtain four equations which we can solve for a,b,c,d.
 
thanx for that cristo

also for (iii) i got (1/2 root3/2) and i will put it in matrix form like you did for part (i) and as the question asked us to do
for part (iv) i think i know what to do

but for part (ii) I'm really stuck...do you know how to do it?

by the way is (1/2 root3/2) correct?
 
sara_87 said:
thanx for that cristo

also for (iii) i got (1/2 root3/2) and i will put it in matrix form like you did for part (i) and as the question asked us to do
for part (iv) i think i know what to do

by the way is (1/2 root3/2) correct?


The unit vector (1 0)T becomes (1/2 sqrt(3)/2)T when rotated 60o anticlockwise.

but for part (ii) I'm really stuck...do you know how to do it?

Well, here's how I'd do it. First rotate the line y=mx onto the x axis, then reflect in the x axis, and finally rotate the line back. (There is a simple relation between the angle of rotation and the gradient, m). If you have done the rotation matrix correctly, this should be quite straightforward, but a few things to note.

1. The first rotation is clockwise unlike rotation in part (iv). Hence, replace theta with -theta (N.B [itex]sin(-\theta)=-sin(\theta), cos(-\theta)=cos(\theta)[/itex])
2. Note when "building" a transformation matrix like this, we must start from the right (just like applying functions). So, if T is the transformation, RO1 the rotation clockwise, R the reflection, and RO2 the rotation anticlockwise, then T=(RO2)R(RO1), where the products are matrix multiplication.


Post your attempts, and I'll help further if you need.
 
Last edited:
i drew the line y=mx then we get an angle theta, i reflected that then we get 2theta
so i got cos(2theta) and sin(2theta)...
 
sara_87 said:
i drew the line y=mx then we get an angle theta, i reflected that then we get 2theta
so i got cos(2theta) and sin(2theta)...

Well that's right if it's what you get for the tranformed unit vector (1 0)T. Do this similarly for the other unit vector, and then you will be able to write down the transformation matrix.
 
thanx Cristo! happy new year
 

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