Finding a Basis Subset in (a, b, c, d) for S in R4 | Homework Solution

  • Thread starter Thread starter fireb
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Basis
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a basis subset in R4 for the set S defined by the condition that the first component, a, is not equal to zero. Participants are exploring the implications of this condition on the nature of the basis and the set itself.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of a basis and the implications of the condition a ≠ 0. There is a debate on whether the set S can be considered a subspace and what that means for finding a basis. Some suggest modifying standard basis vectors to meet the condition while maintaining linear independence.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the original problem statement and clarifying the requirements for the basis. There is no explicit consensus yet, but several productive lines of reasoning are being explored regarding the nature of the set S and the criteria for the basis.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty about whether the set S qualifies as a subspace due to the condition imposed on the first component. This raises questions about the definition and properties of bases in the context of the problem.

fireb
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let S be the form of (a, b,c ,d )in R4, given a not equal to 0. Find the basis that is subset of S.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I got a(1,0,0,0), b(0,1,0,0), c(0,0,1,0), d(0,0,0,1) as basis. a not = 0
But i wasn't sure what the significances of a not = to 0 means

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It means find four elements of R4 that are linearly independent and all of whose first components are non-zero. That would comprise such a basis.
 
However, the set of all (a, b, c, d) in R4 such that [itex]a\ne 0[/itex] is NOT a subspace and so does NOT have a basis. Are you sure you have read the problem correctly?
 
I'm thinking the OP may have the problem stated correctly since he/she calls S a set. They just seek a basis for R4 choosing only from that set.
 
Ah! You are right. I misread it. The problem is NOT to find a basis for S but to find a basis for R4 such that the first component of each basis vector is not 0.
I would be inclined to take the "standard" basis and change the first component of each to a simple non-zero number. Then check to see if they are still independent.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K