Linear maps and matrices problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around a linear map defined from R² to R², specifically examining properties of injectivity and surjectivity, as well as the existence of a polynomial related to the matrix representation of the map.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the rank-nullity theorem to establish the relationship between injectivity and surjectivity. There are questions regarding the assumptions needed for these proofs.
  • Some participants express confusion about the second part of the problem, particularly regarding the existence of a non-zero polynomial that satisfies a specific matrix equation.
  • Clarifications are sought about the nature of the polynomial and whether the original question was accurately stated.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the implications of the rank-nullity theorem, with some participants suggesting it should be straightforward to prove the relationships between injectivity and surjectivity. The second problem remains less clear, with participants questioning the formulation and existence of the polynomial.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the urgency of the discussion due to an impending deadline, which may influence the pace and focus of the responses. There is also mention of potential confusion stemming from external resources, such as Wikipedia.

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Homework Statement


We are given a linear map f:R2->R2 f(x,y)=(x,3x+8y).

1)prove that any linear map R2->R2, if it is 1-1(injective??) it is also...well i don't know the word! It is the property that every element of the destination set is imaged by the source set. (candidate is "surjective" but wikipedia confused me a bit). We also have to prove it vice versa.

2)If A is the matrix of f for the standar basis of R2, prove that there is a non-zero polyonymus h(x)=a4x4+a3x3+a2x2+a1x+a0

so that: a4A4+a3A3+a2A2+a1A+a0I2x2 = I2x2 Where I the identity matrix

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



1) I think i can use the rank-nullity theorem to prove this, but i don't know what can I take as a given. If f is 1-1 then dimkerf=0(because if it wasnt more than 1 elements of source would image at 0, but is this enough?). If kerf=0 then dimimf=dimR2. Since imf is a subspace of R2 and they have equal dimensions then imf=R2. I think this preety much does it. (ofcourse i will write it in a better way) Am I in the right direction?? I don't know if i can use the same logic to prove the opossite though (that when it is surjective it is also injective)

2)No clue. This makes me thinks of eigenvalues but we have not be taught about this stuff yet. I have also heard that when you see a matrix raised at a power determinants may come in handy. But still no clue. Thanks in advance.

P.S. My post is messed up but its 5:00 morning hours in Greece and i am quite tired
P.S. Deadline is coming so i would appreciate a fast reply. Thanks in advance!
 
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For 1) sure, use rank-nullity. Injective means dim(ker(f))=0. Surjective means dim(im(f))=2. It should be easy to prove one implies the other from there, isn't it? The second problem is a little baffling. Sure there is such a polynomial. Put a0=1 and a1=a2=a3=a4=0. Are you sure that's what you meant to ask?
 
Dick said:
For 1) sure, use rank-nullity. Injective means dim(ker(f))=0. Surjective means dim(im(f))=2. It should be easy to prove one implies the other from there, isn't it? The second problem is a little baffling. Sure there is such a polynomial. Put a0=1 and a1=a2=a3=a4=0. Are you sure that's what you meant to ask?

Thanks about 1). About 2) the actual question is: "Is there a non-zero polyonymus that..??". It asks if it exists it doesn't say to prove that it exists. My bad. But are we sure that a non-zero polyonymus like the one in my original post doesn't exist?
 
Bump because deadline ends in 3 hours :) Thank you:P
 
sphlanx said:

Homework Statement


We are given a linear map f:R2->R2 f(x,y)=(x,3x+8y).

1)prove that any linear map R2->R2, if it is 1-1(injective??) it is also...well i don't know the word! It is the property that every element of the destination set is imaged by the source set. (candidate is "surjective" but wikipedia confused me a bit). We also have to prove it vice versa.

2)If A is the matrix of f for the standar basis of R2, prove that there is a non-zero polyonymus h(x)=a4x4+a3x3+a2x2+a1x+a0

so that: a4A4+a3A3+a2A2+a1A+a0I2x2 = I2x2 Where I the identity matrix
Trivial answer: take a_4= a_3= a_2= a_1= 0 and a_0= 1. That works, doesn't it? And proves that there exist such a polynomial. Did mean to make that equal to 0 rather than the identity matrix? That's just a trifle harder. The "characteristic polynomial" of A is \lambda^2- 9\lamba+ 8 and, since every linear transformation makes its own characteristic polynomial equal to 0, A^2- 9A+ 8I= 0. Take a_4= a_3= 0, a_2= 1], a_1= -9, and a_0= 8.


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution



1) I think i can use the rank-nullity theorem to prove this, but i don't know what can I take as a given. If f is 1-1 then dimkerf=0(because if it wasnt more than 1 elements of source would image at 0, but is this enough?). If kerf=0 then dimimf=dimR2. Since imf is a subspace of R2 and they have equal dimensions then imf=R2. I think this preety much does it. (ofcourse i will write it in a better way) Am I in the right direction?? I don't know if i can use the same logic to prove the opossite though (that when it is surjective it is also injective)

2)No clue. This makes me thinks of eigenvalues but we have not be taught about this stuff yet. I have also heard that when you see a matrix raised at a power determinants may come in handy. But still no clue. Thanks in advance.

P.S. My post is messed up but its 5:00 morning hours in Greece and i am quite tired
P.S. Deadline is coming so i would appreciate a fast reply. Thanks in advance!
 

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