Linear Transformations and their matrices

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves demonstrating that a given transformation T defined by T(x + yi) = x - yi is a linear transformation and finding its matrix representation with respect to the basis (1+i, 1-i). The context includes complex numbers and linear algebra concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to verify the linearity of the transformation by applying the definition of linear transformations. Some participants suggest starting with the definition and conditions that need to be satisfied for T to be linear. Others discuss the method for finding the matrix representation of the transformation based on the given basis.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively exploring the properties of linear transformations and the process for finding the matrix representation. There is a focus on clarifying the definition of linear transformations and how to apply it to the problem at hand. Some guidance has been provided regarding the steps to find the matrix, but multiple interpretations and approaches are still being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of confusion regarding the application of complex numbers in the context of linear transformations. Participants are also grappling with the definitions and conditions necessary for establishing linearity, as well as the specifics of the matrix representation process.

succubus
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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
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}[/tex].

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
?
 

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