Is $s$ the unique vector that spans the solution space $L(A,0)$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the uniqueness of a vector \( s \) that spans the solution space \( L(A,0) \) for a linear system defined by a matrix \( A \) with rank \( n-1 \). Participants explore the properties of determinants, the kernel of the matrix, and the implications of the rank-nullity theorem in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the vector \( s \) can be derived from the Laplace expansion of the determinant, specifically by defining \( s_i = (-1)^{i+n} \det A_i \).
  • There is a suggestion that \( s \) spans the solution space \( L(A,0) \) and a request for hints on how to demonstrate this.
  • Some participants assert that the solution space is equal to the kernel of \( A \) and that \( \text{Rank}(A) = n-1 \) implies \( \dim(\ker(A)) = 1 \), suggesting that the basis of the solution space contains only one element.
  • Concerns are raised about the uniqueness of \( s \), with questions about whether \( s \) could be the zero vector and whether there could be more than one vector spanning the solution space.
  • Participants discuss the implications of \( A \cdot s = 0 \) for \( s \) being in the kernel of \( A \) and thus in the solution space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationship between the rank of \( A \) and the dimension of the kernel, but there is disagreement regarding the uniqueness of the vector \( s \) and whether it can be the zero vector. The discussion remains unresolved on the uniqueness aspect.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the uniqueness of \( s \) and the implications of it being the zero vector. The dependence on definitions of the kernel and the rank-nullity theorem is also noted.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

For a field $K$ and $1<n\in \mathbb{N}$ let $A\in K^{(n-1)\times n}$ aa matrix with rank $n-1$. For a row vector $z\in K^{1\times n}$ let $\left (\frac{A}{z}\right )\in K^{n\times n}$ be the matrix that we get if we add as the $n$-th row of the matrix $A$ the vector $z$.

To show that there is a column vector $s=(s_1, \ldots , s_n)^T$ such that for each row vector $z=(z_1, \ldots , z_n)$ it holds $$\det \left [\left (\frac{A}{z}\right )\right ]=\sum_{i=1}^nz_is_i=z\cdot s$$ we consider the laplace formula for the clculation of the determinant. We expand for the last row. For $i\in \{1, \ldots , n\}$ let $A_i$ be the submatrix of$A$ if we remove the $i$-th columnn and $s_i:=(-1)^{i+n}\det A_i$.

Then we get $$\det \left [\left (\frac{A}{z}\right )\right ]=\sum_{i=1}^nz_is_i$$

Is this correct? (Wondering) We wcould also for an other row or column, right?I want to show that the vector $s$ spans the solution space $L(A,0)$ of the linear system of equations $A\cdot x=0$ as a $K$-vector space.

How could we do that? Could you give me a hint? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
To show that there is a column vector $s=(s_1, \ldots , s_n)^T$ such that for each row vector $z=(z_1, \ldots , z_n)$ it holds $$\det \left [\left (\frac{A}{z}\right )\right ]=\sum_{i=1}^nz_is_i=z\cdot s$$ we consider the laplace formula for the clculation of the determinant. We expand for the last row. For $i\in \{1, \ldots , n\}$ let $A_i$ be the submatrix of$A$ if we remove the $i$-th columnn and $s_i:=(-1)^{i+n}\det A_i$.

Then we get $$\det \left [\left (\frac{A}{z}\right )\right ]=\sum_{i=1}^nz_is_i$$

Is this correct?

Hey mathmari!

Yep.

mathmari said:
We wcould also for an other row or column, right?

Didn't we already do it for all rows and columns? (Thinking)

mathmari said:
I want to show that the vector $s$ spans the solution space $L(A,0)$ of the linear system of equations $A\cdot x=0$ as a $K$-vector space.

How could we do that? Could you give me a hint?

What is the rank of the solution space $L(A,0)$?
Is $\mathbf s$ unique and non-zero?
What is $A\cdot\mathbf s$? (Wondering)
 
I like Serena said:
Didn't we already do it for all rows and columns? (Thinking)

What do you mean? (Wondering)
I like Serena said:
What is the rank of the solution space $L(A,0)$?
Is $\mathbf s$ unique and non-zero?
What is $A\cdot\mathbf s$? (Wondering)

The solution space is equal the kernel of$A$, right?

$s$ is uniquely defined.

We have that $\text{Rank}(A)=n-1$ so from the formula of dimensions we get that $\dim (\ker(A))=1$. That means that the basis of the solution space contains only one element.

If $z$ is an arbitrary row of $A$, $z=a_i, \forall i$, then $a_i\cdot s=0$. That means that $A\cdot s=0$, so $s\in \ker (A)$, and so $s$ is contained in the soution space.

From that we get the desired result, right? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
What do you mean?

Didn't we find each of the $s_i$ by working through each of the columns?
And by using all rows to find the sub determinant $\det(A_i)$? (Wondering)

mathmari said:
The solution space is equal the kernel of$A$, right?

$s$ is uniquely defined.

We have that $\text{Rank}(A)=n-1$ so from the formula of dimensions we get that $\dim (\ker(A))=1$. That means that the basis of the solution space contains only one element.

If $z$ is an arbitrary row of $A$, $z=a_i, \forall i$, then $a_i\cdot s=0$. That means that $A\cdot s=0$, so $s\in \ker (A)$, and so $s$ is contained in the soution space.

From that we get the desired result, right?

Suppose $\mathbf s$ is the zero vector. Then all these statements are true, but we still don't get the desired result do we? (Wondering)

How did you find that $\mathbf s$ is unique?
You did find that there is at least one $\mathbf s$, but there could still be more, couldn't there? (Wondering)
 

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