Finding the kernel and range of a tranformation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the kernel and range of a linear transformation defined by two different expressions for L(x). Participants are exploring concepts related to linear algebra, specifically transformations and their properties.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question which function definition is being referenced and seek clarification on the definitions of kernel and range. Others express confusion about the presentation of these concepts and how to approach the problem of finding the kernel and range.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants attempting to clarify definitions and explore the implications of the transformations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the kernel and range, but there is no explicit consensus on the interpretations or methods to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention difficulties with the textbook explanations and the notation used for transposes, indicating potential gaps in understanding foundational concepts. There is an ongoing exploration of assumptions related to the definitions of the transformations provided.

Noone1982
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If L(x) = (x1, x2, 0)^t and L(x) = (x1, x1, x1)^t

What is the kernel and range?
 
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Noone1982 said:
If L(x) = (x1, x2, 0)^t and L(x) = (x1, x1, x1)^t
What is the kernel and range?

You have defined two different functions. Which one are you referring to?

Do you know the DEFINITION of "kernel"
 
I need to do both. I know the kernel is basically setting to zero, but my book is awful on explaining stuff. I also know the range is basically solving for y and row reducing, but I am foggy on the presentation.
 
I'll explain it to you, and I want to see you attempt to answer it.

The range is simple. It's just like Calculus, sort of.

For example, the function f(x)=x^2 has a domain of R(-infinite,infinite), and range (0,infinite).

The range is simply all the possible vectors you can obtain from the transformation. If T(x) = (0,0), then all the possible vectors that come "out" of the transformation are in the set {(0,0)}, which is the range.

What's the range of T(x)=(x,y)?

The answer is R^2, which is any vector in the Cartesian Plane.

The kernel of a transformation is the set of vectors that transform into the zero vector. So, for the first one T(x)=(0,0) is all the vectors, since all the them become a zero vector, so the answer is R^2.

What's the kernel of T(x)=(x,y)?

Well, the only possible vector that can transform into a zero vector is the zero vector itself.

Note: I have no idea what you mean by exponent t. Maybe that signifies that it is a transformation... I have no idea.
 
Noone1982 said:
I need to do both. I know the kernel is basically setting to zero, but my book is awful on explaining stuff. I also know the range is basically solving for y and row reducing, but I am foggy on the presentation.

Your book is awful on explaining "setting to zero"?? Not a whole lot to explain is there?

For your first function L(x1,x2,x3))= (x1, x2,0).
Set that equal to 0: (x1, x2,0)= (0, 0, 0).

What does that tell you about x1 and x2? What does it tell you about x3?

Now the range: what do all possible values of L, that is all vectors of the form (x1, x2,0), have in common?
 
JasonRox said:
Note: I have no idea what you mean by exponent t.

It means transpose. For example (5,2,3) is a row matrix (i.e., a 1x3 matrix) and (5,2,3)^t is a column matrix (i.e., a 3x1 matrix).

Regards,
George
 
George Jones said:
It means transpose. For example (5,2,3) is a row matrix (i.e., a 1x3 matrix) and (5,2,3)^t is a column matrix (i.e., a 3x1 matrix).
Regards,
George

I know what transpose means. :-p
 
Then I'm surprised that you don't know that AT is a standard notation for transpose.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Then I'm surprised that you don't know that AT is a standard notation for transpose.

Exactly... capital T. :-p
 
  • #10
You can't guess that lower and upper case t in an expression x^t or x^T where x is a vector don't both obviously mean transpose?
 
  • #11
matt grime said:
You can't guess that lower and upper case t in an expression x^t or x^T where x is a vector don't both obviously mean transpose?

I didn't think the transpose was necessary.

Anyways, the question isn't about transposes.
 
  • #12
It's about vectors, and linear maps. What on Earth was it going to be except transpose?
 

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