MHB Linear Independence of Vectors: Why Determinant ≠ 0?

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on understanding linear independence of vectors through the determinant of a matrix formed by those vectors. A non-zero determinant indicates that the vectors span the entire space, confirming their linear independence. Conversely, a zero determinant signifies linear dependence, meaning the vectors do not span the space. It is emphasized that only square matrices can have determinants, and thus the concept applies to n vectors in n-dimensional space. The conversation concludes with the acknowledgment of the relationship between the number of vectors and the dimensionality of the space they inhabit.
Petrus
Messages
702
Reaction score
0
Hello MHB,
I got one question. If we got this vector $$V=(3,a,1)$$,$$U=(a,3,2)$$ and $$W=(4,a,2)$$ why is it linear independence if determinant is not equal to zero? (I am not interested to solve the problem, I just want to know why it is)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Petrus said:
Hello MHB,
I got one question. If we got this vector $$V=(3,a,1)$$,$$U=(a,3,2)$$ and $$W=(4,a,2)$$ why is it linear independence if determinant is not equal to zero? (I am not interested to solve the problem, I just want to know why it is)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

If you put your vectors in a matrix, you get a linear function identified by the matrix.
If you can "reach" all of $\mathbb R^3$ with this function, your vectors are linearly independent.
The determinant shows if this is possible. Zero means it's not.
 
I like Serena said:
If you put your vectors in a matrix, you get a linear function identified by the matrix.
If you can "reach" all of $\mathbb R^3$ with this function, your vectors are linearly independent.
The determinant shows if this is possible. Zero means it's not.
Thanks! I start to understand now!:)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Is this state true.
1. We can check if a vector is linear Independence by checking if the determinant is not equal to zero
2. For a linear independence matrix there exist a inverse
3.
I did find this theorem in internet that don't say in my book.
"If amounts of vector $$v_1,v_2,v_3...v_p$$ is in a dimension $$\mathbb R^n$$
then it is linear dependen if $$p>n$$

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Last edited:
Petrus said:
Is this state true.
1. We can check if a vector is linear Independence by checking if the determinant is not equal to zero
2. For a linear independence matrix there exist a inverse
3.
I did find this theorem in internet that don't say in my book.
"If amounts of vector $$v_1,v_2,v_3...v_p$$ is in a dimension $$\mathbb R^n$$
then it is linear dependen if $$p>n$$

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

You can only calculate the determinant of a square matrix.
That means you can only use a determinant to check independence of n vectors, each of dimension n.

An inverse can only exist for a square matrix.
If the matrix is square and the vectors in it are linearly independent, then there exists an inverse.

If you have n linearly independent vectors, they span an n-dimensional space, like $\mathbb R^n$.
If you have one more vector, that won't fit in that n-dimensional space anymore in an independent manner.
So a set of n+1 vectors in $\mathbb R^n$ will have to be dependent.
 
I like Serena said:
You can only calculate the determinant of a square matrix.
That means you can only use a determinant to check independence of n vectors, each of dimension n.

An inverse can only exist for a square matrix.
If the matrix is square and the vectors in it are linearly independent, then there exists an inverse.

If you have n linearly independent vectors, they span an n-dimensional space, like $\mathbb R^n$.
If you have one more vector, that won't fit in that n-dimensional space anymore in an independent manner.
So a set of n+1 vectors in $\mathbb R^n$ will have to be dependent.
Thanks, I meant a square matrix :)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K