Linear Transformations and their matrices

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The discussion focuses on demonstrating that the transformation T(x + yi) = x - yi is linear and finding its matrix representation using the basis (1+i, 1-i). Participants confirm that to show linearity, the transformation must satisfy T(u + v) = T(u) + T(v) and T(au) = aT(u) for complex numbers u, v and real number a. They discuss applying the transformation to each basis vector, with T(1+i) resulting in the first column of the matrix being [0, 1]. The second column is derived from T(1-i), leading to the conclusion that the transformation can be expressed in terms of the original basis vectors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding linear transformations and their matrix representations in complex vector spaces.
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The problem is

T(x + yi) = x - yi

Show that this is a linear transformation and find the matrix of the transformation using the following basis

(1+i, 1-i)

ARGH


I am having trouble with the complex numbers for some reason!


To show that it is linear I have to show

T(x + yi + a + bi) = x + (-yi) + a + (-bi) = x + a + (- i(y +b)) = T(x + yi + a +bi) = x + (-yi) + a + (-bi)

T(k(x + yi)) = k(x + (-yi)) = kx + k(-yi) = T(k(x + (-yi)) = kT(x + (-yi))

Is this correct?

And as for finding the matrix. OY!

I know B = [ [T(1+i)] [T(1-i)] ]

So I know how to do it in theory, kind of I guess. But I just don't know how to start :/
 
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Start with the definition for a linear transformation. If T is a linear transformation from C to C, what conditions have to be satisfied?
 
Well the definition of a transformation is it's closed under addition and scalar multiplication, but I don't see how that helps. Is this regarding finding the matrix of the transformation?
 
succubus said:
The problem is

T(x + yi) = x - yi

Show that this is a linear transformation and find the matrix of the transformation using the following basis

(1+i, 1-i)

ARGH


I am having trouble with the complex numbers for some reason!


To show that it is linear I have to show

T(x + yi + a + bi) = x + (-yi) + a + (-bi) = x + a + (- i(y +b)) = T(x + yi + a +bi) = x + (-yi) + a + (-bi)

T(k(x + yi)) = k(x + (-yi)) = kx + k(-yi) = T(k(x + (-yi)) = kT(x + (-yi))

Is this correct?

And as for finding the matrix. OY!

I know B = [ [T(1+i)] [T(1-i)] ]

So I know how to do it in theory, kind of I guess. But I just don't know how to start :/
There is a standard method for finding the matrix representation of a linear transformation in a given (ordered) basis:
Apply the linear transformation to each basis vector in turn. Write the result in terms of the basis. The coefficients are form the columns of the matrix. That's exactly what your "B= [[T(1+i)] [T(1-i)]]" means.

For example, here your given basis is 1+ i, 1- i. T(1+ i)= 1- i= 0(1+ i)+ 1(1- i). The first column of the matrix is
\begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}.

What is the second column?
 
succubus said:
Well the definition of a transformation is it's closed under addition and scalar multiplication, but I don't see how that helps. Is this regarding finding the matrix of the transformation?

The only way you're going to be able to do the first part of this problem is by using the definition of a linear transformation. What you gave is the definition of a subspace of a vector space. For a linear transformation, you have to show that these conditions are satisfied:
T(u + v) = T(u) + T(v)
T(au) = aT(u)

where for your problem, u and v are complex numbers, and a is a real number.
 
To HallsofIvy,

So you're saying we take each basis, perform the linear transformation on the basis, and then we find a linear combination of the original basis that satisfies the transformation and that gives me my column?

So the second column would be something like this

T(1-i) = (1 + i) = c1(1+i) + c2(1-i) = 1(1+i) + 0(1-i). so the second column would be

1
0
?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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