# Linear Algebra linear independence

Fanta
If u,v andw are three linearly independent vectors of some vectorial space V, show that u + v , u-v and u -2v + w are also linearly independent.

Okay, first of all, i know that:
$$\lambda_{1} \times u + \lambda_{2} \times v + \lambda_{3} \times w = (0,0,0)$$

admits only the solution that all lambdas = 0, but how can I proove that they are linearly independent, knowing so little?

## Answers and Replies

I'd say to set it up in matrix form and check to see if the determinant is non-zero or row-reduce and if there is no row of all zeros at the end, it's linearly independent.

Edit: If matrices aren't allowed, show that for a system with constants multiplied by your u, v and w coefficients, each constant must be zero.

e.g.

Solve

1*a+1*b=0
1*a-1*b=0
1*a-2*b+c=0

Last edited:
Mentor
If u,v andw are three linearly independent vectors of some vectorial space V, show that u + v , u-v and u -2v + w are also linearly independent.

Okay, first of all, i know that:
$$\lambda_{1} \times u + \lambda_{2} \times v + \lambda_{3} \times w = (0,0,0)$$

admits only the solution that all lambdas = 0, but how can I proove that they are linearly independent, knowing so little?
Show that the equation c1(u + v) + c2(u - v) + c3(u - 2v + w) = 0 has only a single solution for the constants ci, using the fact that u, v, and w are linearly independent.

Fanta
that's the process you would normally use when dealing with coordinatse.
But since we are dealing with whole vectors (instead of each vector's coordinates), would that really work?

For example, if I wanted to proove that vectors a b and c were linear independent:
Given a = (1,0,0), b = (0,1,0) and c = (0,0,1), we'd just do that same process, dealing with coordinates (c1(1,0,0) + c2(0,1,0)... = (0, 0, 0)

The confusion rises because we are multiplying constants with vectors, not coordinates.

Mentor
that's the process you would normally use when dealing with coordinatse.
This definition applies whether you know the coordinates or not.
But since we are dealing with whole vectors (instead of each vector's coordinates), would that really work?

For example, if I wanted to proove that vectors a b and c were linear independent:
Given a = (1,0,0), b = (0,1,0) and c = (0,0,1), we'd just do that same process, dealing with coordinates (c1(1,0,0) + c2(0,1,0)... = (0, 0, 0)

The confusion rises because we are multiplying constants with vectors, not coordinates.
Again, you are making a false distinction. Try what I suggested.

Fanta
didn't know it applied to vectors too. Thanks.
Is there anywhere i can read on about that to get a better feel for the theory behind it?

And could I use the same principle to prove linear dependece on a problem, again with three vectors (u, v and w), but not necessairly linear independent, such that : w = 2u + v
?

Mentor
Presumably you have a textbook. Look up the definitions of linear independence and linear dependence.