Finding Linearly Independent Vectors in Subspaces

AI Thread Summary
To find two linearly independent vectors in the subspace W, which includes vectors from both V1 and V2, it is essential to recognize that vectors from V1 cannot generate any nonzero components in the fourth coordinate, while vectors from V2 cannot generate any nonzero components in the third coordinate. Therefore, suitable candidates for linearly independent vectors would be of the form (p, q, 0, 0) from V1 and (0, 0, r, s) from V2. It is important to ensure that the chosen vectors do not overlap in their linear combinations, confirming their independence. The selection process should be accompanied by a brief explanation of how these vectors meet the criteria for inclusion in W and their linear independence. Understanding the definitions and properties of linear independence is crucial for this task.
Faiq
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Homework Statement


The vectors ##a_1, a_2, a_3, b_1, b_2, b_3## are given below
$$\ a_1 = (3~ 2~ 1 ~0) ~~a_2 = (1~ 1~ 0~ 0) ~~ a_3 = (0~ 0~ 1~ 0)~~ b_1 = (3~ 2~ 0~ 2)~~ b_2 = (2 ~2~ 0~ 1)~~ b_3 = (1~ 1~ 0~ 1) $$
The subspace of ## \mathbb R^4 ## spanned by ##a_1, a_2, a_3## is denoted by ##V_1## and the subspace of ## \mathbb R^4 ## spanned by ##b_1, b_2, b_3## is denoted by ##V_2##

The set of vectors which consists a zero vector and all vectors which belong to ##V_1## and ##V_2## is denoted by ##W##.

Write down two linearly independent vectors which belong to ##W##

The Attempt at a Solution


Can somebody please explain how to get the independent vectors? I am very aware of the definition of independent vectors. However, I cannot seem to relate the definition and use it to solve this question.
 
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Hint: a1, a2, and a3 all have 0 as their 4'th coordinate, so they can not generate any vector with a nonzero 4'th coordinate.
 
And ##b_1, b_2, b_3## all have 0 as their 3rd coordinate, so they cannot generate any vector with a nonzero 3rd coordinate
Thus the resulting vector should be ##(p~q~0~0)##
Correct?
 
Faiq said:
And ##b_1, b_2, b_3## all have 0 as their 3rd coordinate, so they cannot generate any vector with a nonzero 3rd coordinate
Thus the resulting vector should be ##(p~q~0~0)##
Correct?
You need to find two vectors. Look for one in V2 that could not be a linear combination of the ais and look for a vector in V1 that could not be a linear combination of the bis
 
a3 and b3?
And the reasoning behind the special criteria for choosing the vector is this right? If I were to choose a vector in V1 which was a linear combination of V2 vectors, then I would technically be choosing just V2 vectors and not taking into account the V1 vectors.
 
Faiq said:
a3 and b3?
In homework, you would want to briefly explain why the two you pick are in W and are linearly independent. Use the definition of linearly independent.
 
Thank you very much for your help
 

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