Proving: span{X_{1},...,X{N}} = span{Y,X_{2},...,X_{N}}

In summary, if X1, X2, ..., XN are vectors in Rn and Y = a1X1 + ... + aNXN where ai is not zero, then span{X1,...,XN} = span{Y,X2,...,XN}. This is because any vector v in span{X1,...,XN} can be written as a linear combination of X1, ..., XN, and since Y can also be written as a linear combination of X1, ..., XN, any vector in span{Y,X2,...,XN} can also be written as a linear combination of X1, ..., XN. Therefore, both spans are equal.
  • #1
stunner5000pt
1,461
2
Suppose [itex] X_{1},X_{2},...,X_{N} [/itex] ae vectors in Rn. If [itex] Y = a_{1} X_{1} ... + a_{N} X_{N} [/itex] where ai is not zero, show that
[tex] span{X_{1},...,X{N}} = span{Y,X_{2},...,X_{N}} [/tex]

WELL
[tex] span{X_{1},...,X{N}} = a_{1} X_{1} + ... + a_{N} X_{N} [/tex]
[tex] Y = a_{1} X_{1} + ... + a_{N} X_{N} [/tex]
then [tex] bX_{1} = Y - a_{2} X_{2} ... - a_{N} X_{N} [/tex]

so i can see that [tex] bX_{1} = span{Y,X_{2},...,X_{N}} [/tex]
also we know that X 1 has a unique representation as a span of the Xi, where i is not 1

but i m not sure how connect the two...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Your notation is wrong. Span x1, ... xn is not equal to a1x1 ... anxn. Instead, you know that if v is an ELEMENT of Span x1, ... xn, then v can be written as a1x1 ... anxn with not all of the ai's zero.

You are trying to show that a vector v is in Span x1, ... xn, if and only if it is in span y, x2, ... xn.
 

FAQ: Proving: span{X_{1},...,X{N}} = span{Y,X_{2},...,X_{N}}

1. What does it mean to prove that two spans are equal?

Proving that two spans are equal means showing that they contain the same set of vectors. This means that any vector that can be created by combining the vectors in one span can also be created by combining the vectors in the other span.

2. How is this proof different from showing that two sets of vectors are equal?

Proving that two spans are equal is different from showing that two sets of vectors are equal because the order of the vectors does not matter in spans. As long as the same set of vectors is present, the span will be the same, regardless of the order in which the vectors are written.

3. What is the process for proving two spans are equal?

The process for proving two spans are equal involves showing that each span contains all the vectors in the other span. This can be done by demonstrating that any vector in one span can be created by combining the vectors in the other span, and vice versa.

4. Can you prove that two spans are equal if they have different numbers of vectors?

Yes, it is possible to prove that two spans are equal even if they have different numbers of vectors. As long as the two spans contain the same set of vectors, they are considered equal. The number of vectors in a span does not affect its span.

5. How is this proof useful in mathematics and science?

This proof is useful in mathematics and science because it allows us to analyze and compare sets of vectors in a more efficient way. By proving that two spans are equal, we can understand the relationship between the vectors in each span and make conclusions about their properties. This can be applied in fields such as linear algebra, physics, and engineering.

Back
Top