Finding a Non-Trivial Quadratic in the Intersection of Two Subspaces

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a non-trivial quadratic polynomial that lies in the intersection of two subspaces, L and K, defined within the space of polynomials of degree 2, P2(R). The subspaces are characterized by specific conditions involving the polynomial's values and derivatives at certain points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the equations derived from the conditions of the subspaces, with some suggesting the use of Gaussian elimination to solve the resulting system. Others question the introduction of arbitrary constants in the equations and recommend expressing variables in terms of a single parameter.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to manipulate the equations to find a suitable quadratic. Some participants express uncertainty about their solutions, while others provide feedback on the validity of the derived forms. There is an ongoing exploration of how to express the quadratic entirely in terms of one variable.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of maintaining the integrity of the equations derived from the conditions of the subspaces and discuss the implications of sign changes in their solutions. There is also mention of the need for a non-zero constant to ensure a non-trivial solution.

mccoy1
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Homework Statement



I'm given two subspaces L and K of P2 (R) are given by

L = { f(x) : 19f(0)+f ' (0) = 0 }



K = { f(x) : f(1) = 0 }.

Obtain a non-trivial quadratic n = ax2 + b x +c such that n is element of the intersetion of L and K.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


19f(0) =19[a(0)^2+b(0)+c] = 19c
df/dx = 2ax+b...so f'(0) = b. therefore L= {19c+b = 0}.
K = {a+b+c = 0}
let X be an element of both L and K and equate the two equations: So r(19c+b) = s(a+b+c), for r, s reak numbers. 19cr+br =as+bs+cs. c(19r-s)-bs+a(r-s) = 0. I'm stuk from there.. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
 
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Have you learned Gaussian elimination yet? If so, try using it to solve the system of equations

a + b + c = 0
b+19c=0​

You should have one free variable.
 
mccoy1 said:

Homework Statement



I'm given two subspaces L and K of P2 (R) are given by

L = { f(x) : 19f(0)+f ' (0) = 0 }



K = { f(x) : f(1) = 0 }.

Obtain a non-trivial quadratic n = ax2 + b x +c such that n is element of the intersetion of L and K.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


19f(0) =19[a(0)^2+b(0)+c] = 19c
df/dx = 2ax+b...so f'(0) = b. therefore L= {19c+b = 0}.
K = {a+b+c = 0}
Yes, those are your two equations.

let X be an element of both L and K and equate the two equations: So r(19c+b) = s(a+b+c), for r, s reak numbers. 19cr+br =as+bs+cs. c(19r-s)-bs+a(r-s) = 0. I'm stuk from there.. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Where in the world did r and s come from? Since both 19c+ b and a+ b+ c are equal to 0, they are equal to each other. But writing only 19c+ b= a+ b+ c loses the information that they are, individually, equal to 0.

I recommend writing both a and b in terms of c so that you can write [math]ax^2+ bx+ c[/math] entirely in terms of c. Since you are only asked to find a non-trivial quadratic, choose c to be any non-zero number.
 
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Check post below...thanks
 
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HallsofIvy said:
Yes, those are your two equations.


Where in the world did r and s come from? Since both 19c+ b and a+ b+ c are equal to 0, they are equal to each other. But writing only 19c+ b= a+ b+ c loses the information that they are, individually, equa; to 0.

I recommend writing both a and b in terms of c so that you can write [math]ax^2+ bx+ c[/math] entirely in terms of c. Since you are only asked to find a non-trivial quadratic, choose c to be any non-zero number.

HallsofIvy, thanks for pointing that out. I was desperate to use some constants lol. Now, let me see if I can solve it (I'll post the ans shortly). meanwhle, can you please check the solution abve.Cheers
 
Okay, c=-ax^2-bx...(I)
But form a+b+c =0 and 19c+b=0, a = 18c and b = -19c. Substituting them into (I) gives:
c =-(18c)x^2-(-19c)x . So 1=-18x^2+19x. Hence g(x) = -18x^2+19x-1. Is that correct? I'm not thinking clearly at the moment...thanks guys.
 
mccoy1 said:
Okay, c=-ax^2-bx...(I)
But form a+b+c =0 and 19c+b=0, a = 18c and b = -19c. Substituting them into (I) gives:
c =-(18c)x^2-(-19c)x . So 1=-18x^2+19x. Hence g(x) = -18x^2+19x-1. Is that correct? I'm not thinking clearly at the moment...thanks guys.

I think I still need help..I have a feeling that my soln above was wrong. How about this:
a+b+c =0, so a = -b-c and -19c = b ..
So intersection = [-b-c, -19c, c] = [-b,0,0) +c[-1, -19, 1]. How would I continue from there? Cheers.
Oh wait, b =-19c, so c[19,0,0]+c[1,-19,1] = intersection. So when c = 1, the equation of the intersection would be 18x^2-19x+1...signs were incorrect..
Thanks guys.
 
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Why do you think your original answer is wrong? Doesn't it satisfy both of the equations?
 
You originally got [/itex]g(x) = -18x^2+19x-1[/itex] but changed to [itex]18x^2-19x+1[/quote] which is just the negative of the other. For any vector space, if v is in the space then so is -v.[/itex]
 
  • #10
spamiam said:
Why do you think your original answer is wrong? Doesn't it satisfy both of the equations?
I was just intamidated by the difference in sign. Yes it satifies both equation..I have just checked.
HallsofIvy said:
You originally got [/itex]g(x) = -18x^2+19x-1[/itex] but changed to [itex]18x^2-19x+1[/itex]
[itex]which is just the negative of the other. For any vector space, if v is in the space then so is -v.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Absolutely..<br /> Thanks guys for your great help. It's appreciated:).[/itex]
 

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