Finding Basis of Null Space and Range

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a given transformation T is linear and finding bases for the null space N(T) and the range R(T) of the transformation. The context is linear algebra, specifically dealing with linear transformations between matrix spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of the linear transformation T and its implications for the null space and range. There are attempts to express N(T) in terms of a basis for M2x3(F) and questions about the dimensions and bases of the involved matrix spaces. Some participants inquire about the concept of "vectorizing" matrices and how it relates to finding bases.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the dimensions of the matrix spaces and the representation of matrices in terms of basis elements. However, there is no explicit consensus on the correct approach to finding the bases for N(T) and R(T).

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and properties of linear transformations, the dimensions of the matrix spaces involved, and the implications of the transformation on the basis elements. There is a recognition of the need for clarity on how to express the null space in terms of the chosen basis.

Gooolati
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Homework Statement


Prove T is a linear transformation and find bases for both N(T) and R(T).


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution




T:M2x3(F) \rightarrow M2x2(F) defined by:

T(a11 a12 a13)
(a21 a22 a23)

(this is one matrix)
=

(2a11-a12 a13+2a12)
( 0 0)

(this is one matrix)

So I verified that it is a linear transformation by checking that T(cx+y)=cT(x)+T(y). But I don't understand how to find a basis for the null space and range.

I can see that since N(T)={x:T(x)=0} that N(T) here it all vectors of the form:

(t/2 t -2t)
( b b b)

(this is one matrix)

Since the 2nd row in our domain always goes to 0, the second row is arbitrary, which I represented by b.

How do I find a basis for all multiples of the matrix

t(1/2 1 -2)
( b b b)?

And I'm not even sure on how to start off finding the basis for the range. All help is appreciated. Thanks!
 
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do you have any idea of what the dimension of M2x3(F) is?

can you think of a basis for it?

can you express N(T) in terms of this basis?

alternately: do you know how to "vectorize" a matrix?

suppose you "vectorized" the elements of M2x3(F) and M2x2(F). could you pick bases for these spaces, and calculate a matrix for T in terms of those bases? what size would it have? could you find its rank and nullity?
 
do you have any idea of what the dimension of M2x3(F) is?

Since it is 2x3, the dimension would be 6?

Because we would need 6 vectors:

\begin{array}{ccc}
1 & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 \end{array},

\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 0 & 0 \\
1 & 0 & 0 \end{array},

\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 1 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 \end{array}

\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 1 & 0 \end{array},

\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 0 & 1 \\
0 & 0 & 0 \end{array}

\begin{array}{ccc}
0 & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 1 \end{array}

N(T) in terms of this basis would be multiples of:

(1/2)(first matrix)+(third matrix)+(-2)(fifth matrix)?

Something doesn't seem right to be hmm.

Also, what do you mean by vectorizing?
 
Gooolati said:
do you have any idea of what the dimension of M2x3(F) is?

Since it is 2x3, the dimension would be 6?

Because we would need 6 vectors:

<snip>

N(T) in terms of this basis would be multiples of:

(1/2)(first matrix)+(third matrix)+(-2)(fifth matrix)?

Something doesn't seem right to be hmm.
Good start. But what about the second matrix? Doesn't T map that to 0 as well? What about the other basis elements?

Also, what do you mean by vectorizing?
You can express any matrix in M2x3 as a linear combination of those six matrices, so if you label those six matrices e1, … , e6, you could write
$$\begin{pmatrix} a_{11} & a_{12} & a_{13} \\ a_{21} & a_{22} & a_{23} \end{pmatrix} = a_{11}\mathbf{e}_1 + a_{21}\mathbf{e}_2 + a_{12}\mathbf{e}_3 + a_{22}\mathbf{e}_4 + a_{13}\mathbf{e}_5 + a_{23}\mathbf{e}_6$$ This matrix would therefore correspond to the coordinate vector ##(a_{11}, a_{21}, a_{12}, a_{22}, a_{13}, a_{23})^T##.
 

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