Linear operator exercise i can't understand

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving the linear operator exercise involving the expressions (3B + 2A²)x, where A and B are defined as A(x) = (x2 - x3, x1, x1 + x3) and B(x) = (x2, 2x3, x1). The user initially struggles with the order of operations and matrix multiplication, leading to confusion in calculating 2A²x. The correct approach involves recognizing that matrix multiplication is associative, allowing for flexibility in the order of operations. The final expression combines the results of 3Bx and 2A²x to yield the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear operators and matrix notation
  • Familiarity with matrix multiplication and its properties
  • Knowledge of vector notation and operations
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study matrix multiplication properties, focusing on associativity
  • Learn how to construct and manipulate matrices for linear transformations
  • Explore the concept of linear operators in more depth
  • Practice solving similar linear operator exercises to reinforce understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students of linear algebra, mathematicians, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of linear operators and matrix operations.

Deimantas
Messages
38
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Let x=(x1,x2,x3), Ax:=(x2-x3,x1,x1+x3), Bx:=(x2,2x3,x1)

Find: (3B+2A2)x.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Warning: I have no idea what I'm doing!

(3B+2A2)x = 3Bx+2A2x

3Bx = (3x2,6x3,3x1)

Now to find 2A2x. Considering that an index has a higher priority than multiplication, the following is probably illegal:

2*A*Ax = 2* A(x2-x3,x1,x1+x3) = 2 * (x1-x1-x3,x2-x3,x2-x3+x1+x3) = (-2x3,2x2-2x3,2x2+2x1)

Now to sum up:

(3x2,6x3,3x1) + (-2x3,2x2-2x3,2x2+2x1)...

Suggestions? I don't even know what kind of exercise this really is, so I was unable to find anything helpful on the internet...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try and construct the matrices of A and B, you might find that more helpful

You've done the right thing where you said [itex]2A^2x=2AAx[/itex]
I'm not sure what you mean by 'an index has a higher priority than multiplication', an index IS multiplication. Sounds like you've not washed that FOIL/BEMDAS/OoO stuff out of your head :biggrin:
Matrix multiplication is assosiative, you can multiply the two A's or the 2 by an A in whatever order you want.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K