Linear Algebra-Linear Transformations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around linear transformations in the context of linear algebra, specifically focusing on a function T defined from the space of polynomials of degree less than or equal to 3 to R3. Participants are tasked with demonstrating that T is a linear transformation, expressing it in matrix form, and exploring the kernel of T. Additionally, there is a second part involving the expansion of a set to form a basis for M2,2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the properties that define a linear transformation and how to apply these properties to the function T. There are questions about the notation used and the specific steps required to prove linearity. Some participants express confusion regarding the structure of T and how to manipulate it for the proof.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided insights into the necessary steps to show that T is a linear transformation, with some suggesting specific polynomial examples to clarify the process. There is an ongoing exploration of the definitions and properties involved, with no explicit consensus reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention challenges related to the notation and the complexity of the problem, indicating that it is a take-home assignment which may be designed to be more challenging than typical in-class problems.

rolltide2014
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Homework Statement


Define a function T: Psub3-->R3 by:

T(p)=[p(3),p'(1), integral from 0 to 1 of p(x)dx]
for p a polynomial in P sub3, the polynomials of degree less than or equal to 3.

a. Show that T is a linear transformation

b. Identify Psub3 with R4 in the usual way and write T in matrix form, i.e. T(x)=Ax for x<-R^4 and A is a 3 x 4 matrix.

c. How do you know that ker(T), i.e.ker(A) is not just {0}?

d. How do you know that there is a nontrivial polynomial, p, of degree less than or equal to 3 with p(3)=0, p'(1)=0 and integral from 0 to 1 of p(x)dx=0?


Part 2:
Expand the set {(1 -2) , (1 1)} to a basis for M2,2.
{(3 -4) (0 1)}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I've been working at this for awhile now and can't seem to make any headway. I think maybe its the notation throwing me off, but regardless any help is appreciated!
 
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Since you have "been working at this for awhile now", you surely must have some work to show. For (a), what are the propertied as linear transformation must have?
 
I know in order to be a linear transformation, the following must be true:

f(u + v)=F(u) + f(v) and f(cv)=cf(v) I believe.

I guess I don't understand the notation and what I am supposed to be proving. Am i supposed to be proving how both the derivative and the integral are linear transformations in this case?
 
Last edited:
OK, so you must show for arbitrary polynomials p and q in [itex]P_3[/itex] that

[itex]T(p+q)=T(p)+T(q)[/itex]

and

[itex]T(cp)=cT(p)[/itex].

Can you replace T(p+q), T(p) and T(q) by their definition??
 
Well I guess I'm just missing something here or overanalyzing it perhaps. The way T(p) is written with the three terms: the p(3) and then its derivative and integral is throwing me off I think. I haven't seen it written like that before. It was assigned as a take home problem and the professor always make those more difficult or writes them in a different way than we are used to because we have the benefit of taking them home, using outside resources, etc. For some reason I'm just really having trouble working through this one.
 
Just use the definitions given to you!

By definition

[tex]T(p)=(p(3),p^\prime (1),\int_0^1 p(x)dx)[/tex]

There is no trick here!

Now, apply the definitions to

T(q) (just replace p above by q)

and

T(p+q) (just replace p above by p+q)
 
What micromass said!

Specifically, if [itex]p(x)= x^3- 2x^2+ x- 1[/itex], then [itex]p(3)= 3^3- 2(3^2)+ 3- 1= 27- 19+ 3- 1= 10[/itex], [itex]p'(x)= 3x^2- 4x+ 1[/itex] so [itex]p'(1)= 3(1^2)- 4(1)+ 1= 3- 4+ 1= 0[/itex], and [itex]\int_0^1 x^3- 2x^2+ x- 1 dx= \left[(1/4)x^4- (2/3)x^3+ (1/2)x^2- x\right]_0^1= -7/12[/itex] so T(p)= (10, 0, -7/12).
 
Please forgive me if I'm asking a stupid question here, but where did you come up with that equation for p(x)? Or was that just an example?
 
That was just an example.
 
  • #10
Okay, that's what i thought but just wanted to make sure. So for proving that it is a linear transformation would it be something like:

[p(3),p'(1),integral of p(x)] + [q(3),q'(1),integral of q(x)] = [p+q(3),(p+q)'(1),integral of p+ q(x)]

That just doesn't like right to me at all, so am I completely wrong here? And I apologize for not using the integral notation. I'm still trying to figure out how to use all the symbols and such.
 
  • #11
Yes, that would be correct. So, does that equality hold??
 
  • #12
rolltide2014 said:
Okay, that's what i thought but just wanted to make sure. So for proving that it is a linear transformation would it be something like:

[p(3),p'(1),integral of p(x)] + [q(3),q'(1),integral of q(x)] = [p+q(3),(p+q)'(1),integral of p+ q(x)]

That just doesn't like right to me at all, so am I completely wrong here? And I apologize for not using the integral notation. I'm still trying to figure out how to use all the symbols and such.

Are you saying you don't believe that [itex](p+q)(3) = p(3) + q(3),[/itex] or maybe you don't believe that [itex](p+q)'(1) = p'(1) + q'(1),[/itex] or maybe you don't believe that [itex]\int_0^1 (p+q)(x) \, dx = \int_0^1 p(x)\, dx + \int_0^1 q(x) \, dx \, ?[/itex] Which of these do you not believe, and why do you not believe it?

RGV
 
  • #13
I really am just having a hard time figuring out where to begin showing these proofs. I know everything I need is obviously given, but without an equation or something to plug numbers into, I can't figure out where to start. This whole concept is just hard for me to wrap my brain around I guess.
 
  • #14
As a proof, could I just use some arbitrary third degree polynomial like Hallsofivy did earlier, and plug the numbers into that? Or am I totally headed in the wrong direction with that idea?
 
  • #15
No, that was just an example because you indicated that you were not clear on exactly what the transformation was.

To show that it is a linear transformation, you must show that the definition of "linear transformation" works for any polynomials.

If p and q are such polynomials, T(p+ g)= ((p+g)(3),(p+ g)'(1), [itex]\int_0^1 (p+ g)dx[/itex]). Is that equal to T(p)+ T(g)= (p(3)+ g(3), p'(1)+ g'(1), [itex]\int_0^1 pdx+ \int_0^1 gdx[/itex])?

If p is such a polynomial and a is a number, T(ap)= ((ap)(3), (ap)'(1), [itex]\int_0^1 (ap)dx[/itex]). is that equal to aT(p)= a(p(3), p'(1), [itex]\int_0^1 p dx[/itex])?
 

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