Linear Transformation: Is T(U) a Subspace of R^m?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around linear transformations, specifically examining whether the image of a subspace under a linear transformation is itself a subspace. The original poster presents two questions related to linear transformations: one concerning the properties of onto transformations and the other about finding a vector that approximates a target vector through a given transformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of onto transformations and how it relates to the span of vectors. There is an exploration of conditions that must be satisfied for T(U) to be a subspace. Some participants suggest considering specific properties of subspaces and applying definitions to the problem at hand.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the questions, offering hints and guidance without providing direct solutions. There is recognition of the need to apply definitions of subspaces and properties of linear transformations, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to approach the problems, particularly in applying definitions to question 1b. There is a mention of an upcoming exam, which may add pressure to the discussion.

kingwinner
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1) True or False? If true, prove it. If false, prove that it is false or give a counterexample.
1a) If a linear transformation T: R^n->R^m is onto and R^n = span{X1,...,Xk}, then R^m = span{T(X1),...,T(Xk)}
1b) If T: R^n->R^m is a linear transformation and U is a subspace of R^n, then T(U) is a subspace of R^m.



2) Let T: R^2->R^4 be a linear transformation induced by the matrix A=
[1 4
2 3
3 2
4 1]
Find a vector X E R^2 such that T(X) is as close as possible to [4 6 6 4]^T



I have an exam tomorrow. These are the past exams questions that I am having terrible trouble with. Can someone help me? I seriously thought about these questions, but still can't come up with any clue...I really want to provide some attempt, but I don't even know how to begin...

Any help/hints is greatly appreciated!
 
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1 (a) First what is the definition of onto or surjective? Every point in the domain spans the codomain. Use this fact to answer your question.
 
Last edited:
Regarding 1b), simply take two vectors a, b from T(U) and think of a condition which must be satisfied in order for T(U) to be a subspace.
 
kingwinner said:
2) Let T: R^2->R^4 be a linear transformation induced by the matrix A=
[1 4
2 3
3 2
4 1]
Find a vector X E R^2 such that T(X) is as close as possible to [4 6 6 4]^T

For this question, you need to find a "best approximation" [tex]u \in \mathbb{R}^2[/tex] to
[tex]b= \left( \begin{array}{c} 4 \\ 6 \\6 \\ 4 \end{array} \right)[/tex]

Have you learned the theorem which says that if u is a best approximation, and A is the matrix of the linear transformation, [tex]A^T(Au-b)=0[/tex]?

Solve for u to find the best approximation. You could apply QR factorization to A to further simply the solution process.
 
Last edited:
siddharth said:
For this question, you need to find a "best approximation" [tex]u \in \mathbb{R}^2[/tex] to
[tex]b= \left( \begin{array}{c} 4 \\ 6 \\6 \\ 4 \end{array} \right)[/tex]

Have you learned the theorem which says that if u is a best approximation, and A is the matrix of the linear transformation, [tex]A^T(Au-b)=0[/tex]?

Solve for u to find the best approximation. You could apply QR factorization to A to further simply the solution process.

Thanks, I have learned this but I have never thought of it...what a great method
 
Last edited:
But I am still pretty lost with question 1b...

I know the definition of subspace, but I simply don't know how to apply it in this situation...

U is a subsapce of V iff
1) 0 E U
2) X,Y E U => X+Y E U
and 3) X E U, a E R => aX E U
 
kingwinner said:
But I am still pretty lost with question 1b...

I know the definition of subspace, but I simply don't know how to apply it in this situation...

U is a subsapce of V iff
1) 0 E U
2) X,Y E U => X+Y E U
and 3) X E U, a E R => aX E U

U is a subspace of V if, for every a, b from U, and for every salars x, y, xa+yb is in U. Use that fact.
 

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