Linearly Independent: Is {u1,u2,u3}?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of linear independence in vector spaces, specifically examining whether the linear independence of pairs of vectors implies the linear independence of a set of three vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of linear independence among pairs of vectors and question whether this guarantees the linear independence of the entire set. Some suggest deriving contradictions based on non-zero coefficients in a linear combination.

Discussion Status

There is an active exploration of counterexamples, particularly in R^2, with some participants asserting that such counterexamples exist while others express difficulty in identifying them. The discussion remains open with various interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific vector spaces (e.g., R^2) and reference the orthogonal standard basis vectors as a potential avenue for exploration. There is an acknowledgment of the challenge in finding counterexamples, indicating a need for further investigation.

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Homework Statement



If u1 and u2, u2 and u3, u1 and u3 are Linearly Independent, does it follow that {u1,u2,u3} is Linearly Independent?
 
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It helps if you write it out as follows:
a_1 u_1 + a_2 u_2 + a_3 u_3 = \textbf{0}.

Suppose one of the ai's is non-zero. Can you derive a contradiction with what you are given? Then, next suppose 2 of the coefficients are non-zero. Apply the same consideration.
 
symsane said:

Homework Statement



If u1 and u2, u2 and u3, u1 and u3 are Linearly Independent, does it follow that {u1,u2,u3} is Linearly Independent?

No. Try to find a counterexample (this is possible in R^2).
 
Try this first
if u1 and u2 are linearly dependent does it follow that
v1 and v2 are linearly independent where
v1=a*u1+b*u2
v2=c*u1+d*u2

or

if span(V)=n
does that mean any n vectors are linearly independent?
 
yyat said:
No. Try to find a counterexample (this is possible in R^2).
Oops, can't believe I missed such a simple counter-example.
 
yyat said:
No. Try to find a counterexample (this is possible in R^2).


I could not find a counter example. I think it is LI.
 
In R^2 there are zillions of counterexamples where v1, v2, and v3, are pairwise linearly independent. If you can't find any, you aren't looking very hard.
 
symsane said:
I could not find a counter example. I think it is LI.
You can try thinking about the orthogonal standard basis vectors.
 

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