Linear Algebra - Basis of column space

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the basis of the column space of matrix A and understanding its rank. Gauss-Jordan elimination was applied to reduce the matrix, revealing linearly independent columns. The basis for the column space is identified as the set of these independent columns, while the coordinates of the dependent columns were questioned. Clarification on how to determine the rank of A was also sought, emphasizing the need for a solid grasp of definitions related to coordinate vectors and spans. Understanding these concepts is crucial for solving the problems effectively.
tg22542
Messages
79
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let A be the matrix
A =
1 −3 −1 2
0 1 −4 1
1 −4 5 1
2 −5 −6 5

(a) Find basis of the column space. Find the coordinates of the dependent columns relative
to this basis.
(b) What is the rank of A?
(c) Use the calculations in part (a) to find a basis for the row space.


Homework Equations


---

The Attempt at a Solution



I used Gauss-Jordan operations on the matrix to solve it down to :

1 0 -13 5
0 1 -4 1
0 0 1 0
0 0 0 0

From here we can see which columns are linearly independent and which are dependent. But I don't understand what they want me to write for a solution for the coordinates.

Would they simply be:

(1,0,-13)
(0,1,-4)
(0,0,1)

??

b) Not sure exactly what this means even after researching, how do I determine the rank ?

c) I feel I can do after I complete a)

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For part 1, by definition, ##Col(A) = span\{a_1, ... a_n\}## where ##a_1, ... a_n## are the linearly independent columns of ##A##.

The basis happens to be the set ##\{a_1, ... a_n\}## (without the "span" portion).

Also, do you know about coordinate vectors?
 
Your given matrix has 4 numbers in each column. That is each column is in R^4. So how can the span of {(1,0,-13), (0,1,-4), (0,0,1)} be subset of R^4?. You need to get your definitions done perfectly before you can solve these problems.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K