Linear Algebra - Transformation / operator

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around linear operators in the context of linear algebra, specifically focusing on transformations represented by matrices. The original poster presents two parts of a problem involving the properties of linear operators, including their range and null space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore examples of linear operators that meet specific criteria regarding their range and null space. There is discussion on how to construct a matrix that satisfies the conditions for part (a) and the implications of the range being the span of a specific vector in part (b).

Discussion Status

Several participants provide insights into the construction of matrices for the linear operators, with some confirming the validity of proposed ideas. There is an ongoing exploration of how to satisfy the conditions for the null space and range, with no explicit consensus reached on the final forms of the matrices.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of the problem, including the requirement that the range and null space must intersect only at the zero vector for part (a), and the specific spans required for part (b). The discussion reflects a collaborative effort to clarify these concepts without providing direct solutions.

Samuel Williams
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Homework Statement


Let T:V→V be a linear operator on a vector space V over C:

(a) Give an example of an operator T:C^2→C^2 such that R(T)∩N(T)={0} but T is not a projection

(b) Find a formula for a linear operator T:C^3→C^3 over C such that T is a projection with R(T)=span{(1,1,1)} and N(T)=span{(1,1,0);(0,1,1)}

Homework Equations



If T is a projection, then T^2=T
R(T) is the range of T (I think it is also the image), N(T) is the null space or kernel of T.

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to create one where R(T)∩N(T)={0}. I sort of figured out by using [2 0 , 0 1/2]
As for (b), I try setting T(1,1,0)=(0,0,0) and T(0,1,1)=(0,0,0) but I'm not sure if this is correct or what to do afterwards.
 
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For part (a), the R(T) ∩ N(T) = {0} implies that only the zero vector maps to zero. So, your idea to use
##\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 \\ 0 & 1/2 \end{pmatrix}## was valid. The identity matrix satisfies R(T) ∩ N(T) = {0}, but it is a projection, so using non-ones on the diagonal does the trick.
For part (b) you are right to set the conditions for the null space. The fact that the range is the span of (1,1,1) means that the output in all three columns should be the same, i.e. T( x, y, z) = (f(x,y,z), f(x,y,z), f(x,y,z)).
Unless I am misinterpreting what you wrote, and you meant that R(T) = span{ (1,0,0), (0,1,0), (0,0,1) } which would be the entire space.
 
These are finite vector spqces, just represent the transformationa with 2x2 / 3x3 matrices and see what constraints you obtain from the requirements.
 
RUber said:
For part (a), the R(T) ∩ N(T) = {0} implies that only the zero vector maps to zero. So, your idea to use
##\begin{pmatrix} 2 & 0 \\ 0 & 1/2 \end{pmatrix}## was valid. The identity matrix satisfies R(T) ∩ N(T) = {0}, but it is a projection, so using non-ones on the diagonal does the trick.
For part (b) you are right to set the conditions for the null space. The fact that the range is the span of (1,1,1) means that the output in all three columns should be the same, i.e. T( x, y, z) = (f(x,y,z), f(x,y,z), f(x,y,z)).
Unless I am misinterpreting what you wrote, and you meant that R(T) = span{ (1,0,0), (0,1,0), (0,0,1) } which would be the entire space.

You are correct in saying that the range is the span of (1,1,1), but I am not sure what to do after this.
 
As Orodruin mentioned, your goal is to make a 3x3 matrix for the transformation.
##\begin{pmatrix} a_{1,1} & a_{1,2} & a_{1,3}\\a_{2,1} & a_{2,2}& a_{2,3}\\a_{3,1} & a_{3,2}& a_{3,3} \end{pmatrix}
\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\z\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} b_1\\b_2\\b_3\end{pmatrix}##
Your conditions are that b_1 = b_2 = b_3 to be in the span of (1,1,1). What does this mean about your three rows of the T matrix?
Add that to your null space requirements, you should be able to provide a general form in terms of some constant value.
 
RUber said:
As Orodruin mentioned, your goal is to make a 3x3 matrix for the transformation.
##\begin{pmatrix} a_{1,1} & a_{1,2} & a_{1,3}\\a_{2,1} & a_{2,2}& a_{2,3}\\a_{3,1} & a_{3,2}& a_{3,3} \end{pmatrix}
\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\z\end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} b_1\\b_2\\b_3\end{pmatrix}##
Your conditions are that b_1 = b_2 = b_3 to be in the span of (1,1,1). What does this mean about your three rows of the T matrix?
Add that to your null space requirements, you should be able to provide a general form in terms of some constant value.

Would I then be correct in saying that all three rows must be identical? If so, using the null space constraints should then give a matrix like :
\begin{pmatrix} 1 & -1 & 1 \\ 1 & -1 & 1 \\ 1 & -1 & 1 \end{pmatrix}
If I am not mistaken?
 
That's right. And notice that you can multiply that matrix by any constant and it will still satisfy the requirements in your problem.
 
Thanks to you both! I appreciate your input and I also appreciate that you helped me through rather than just answering the question. I definitley gained a better understanding
 
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