Linear Algebra- Scalar Multiplication

In summary, scalar multiplication in linear algebra involves multiplying a matrix or vector by a single number, resulting in a new matrix or vector of the same size. It differs from regular multiplication as it only involves one number. The purpose of scalar multiplication is to scale the size of matrices and vectors without changing their direction. Some properties include commutativity, associativity, and distributivity. Scalar multiplication does not affect the determinant of a matrix, but if used to multiply all elements in a row or column, the determinant will be multiplied by the scalar value.
  • #1
FinalStand
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0

Homework Statement



Let M2 denote the set of all 2x2 matrices. We define addition with the standard addition of matrices, but with scalar multiplication given by:

k [itex]\otimes[/itex] [a b c d] = [ka b c kd] (note that they are matrices)


Where k is a scalar. Which of the following fails to hold?

a. m2 is closed under scalar multiplication
b. (ks)matrix = k [itex]\otimes[/itex] ( s [itex]\otimes[/itex] (matrix)
c. 1 [itex]\otimes[/itex] (matrix) = (matrix)
d. k [itex]\otimes[/itex](matrix + matrix') = k (matrix) + k (matrix') [Too lazy to inpute the otimes]
e. (k+s) (matrix) = k(matrix) + s(matrix)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I think the answer is E because if you multiply k+s to the matrix first then you can't split them.
 
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  • #2
FinalStand said:

Homework Statement



Let M2 denote the set of all 2x2 matrices. We define addition with the standard addition of matrices, but with scalar multiplication given by:

k [itex]\otimes[/itex] [a b c d] = [ka b c kd] (note that they are matrices)


Where k is a scalar. Which of the following fails to hold?

a. m2 is closed under scalar multiplication
b. (ks)matrix = k [itex]\otimes[/itex] ( s [itex]\otimes[/itex] (matrix)
c. 1 [itex]\otimes[/itex] (matrix) = (matrix)
d. k [itex]\otimes[/itex](matrix + matrix') = k (matrix) + k (matrix') [Too lazy to inpute the otimes]
e. (k+s) (matrix) = k(matrix) + s(matrix)

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I think the answer is E because if you multiply k+s to the matrix first then you can't split them.
That's right. Note that all you have to do to prove that the statement
$$\text{For all }A\in M_2(\mathbb R)\text{ and all }k,s\in\mathbb R\text{, we have }(k+s)\otimes A=k\otimes A+s\otimes A.$$ is false is to show that there's one choice of k,s,A such that ##(k+s)\otimes A\neq k\otimes A+s\otimes A##.
 

What is scalar multiplication in linear algebra?

Scalar multiplication in linear algebra is the process of multiplying a matrix or vector by a single number, known as a scalar. This operation results in a new matrix or vector that is the same size as the original, with each element multiplied by the scalar value.

How is scalar multiplication different from regular multiplication?

Scalar multiplication differs from regular multiplication in that it only involves multiplying a matrix or vector by a single number, while regular multiplication involves multiplying two or more matrices or vectors together.

What is the purpose of scalar multiplication in linear algebra?

The purpose of scalar multiplication in linear algebra is to scale the size of a matrix or vector without changing its direction. This allows for easier manipulation and calculation of matrices and vectors in various applications such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics.

What are some properties of scalar multiplication in linear algebra?

Some properties of scalar multiplication in linear algebra include the commutative property (a scalar can be multiplied by a matrix in any order), the associative property (a scalar can be distributed among multiple matrices), and the distributive property (a scalar can be distributed among the elements of a matrix).

How does scalar multiplication affect the determinant of a matrix?

Scalar multiplication does not affect the determinant of a matrix. The determinant only changes when the matrix is multiplied by another matrix, not a scalar. However, if a scalar is used to multiply every element in a row or column of a matrix, the determinant will be multiplied by the same scalar value.

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