MHB How can a rank 1 complex matrix be written as a product of two matrices?

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A complex matrix M of rank 1 can be expressed as the outer product of two vectors, u and v, where u is an m x 1 matrix and v is an n x 1 matrix. This representation highlights the relationship between the rank of the matrix and its decomposition into simpler components. The discussion includes solutions provided by users Opalg and castor28, with castor28's solution being highlighted. The problem emphasizes the importance of understanding matrix rank and its implications in linear algebra. Overall, the thread serves as a resource for those looking to deepen their knowledge of matrix theory.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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If $M$ is a complex $m \times n$ matrix of rank $1$, show that $M$ can be written as $\bf{uv^T}$ where $\bf{u}$ is an $m\times 1$ matrix and $\bf{v}$ is an $n\times 1$ matrix.

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Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to Opalg and castor28 for their correct solutions. Here is castor28's solution.
As the column space of $M$ has dimension $1$, it is spanned by a single vector $\mathbf{u}$. Therefore, for all $i$, the column $i$ of $M$ can be written as $\mathbf{u}v_i$ for some scalar $v_i$.

This shows that $M=\mathbf{uv^T}$, where $\mathbf{v^T}$ is the column vector $(v_i)$.
 

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