Notation used in matrix representation of linear transformation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the notation used in the matrix representation of a linear transformation, specifically regarding the transformation ##T: \mathbb{R^2} \to \mathbb{R^2}## with respect to different bases. Participants explore the meaning of the notation ##[T]_{B,B'}## and how to derive the corresponding matrix representations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the notation ##[T]_{B,B'}## and its implications for representing the linear transformation with respect to different bases.
  • Another participant explains that the notation indicates the use of basis ##B'## for the domain and basis ##B## for the codomain, suggesting a method to express the transformation in terms of the standard basis.
  • There is a mention of deriving the matrix by expressing the transformed vectors ##T(v_1)## and ##T(v_2)## in terms of the standard basis, leading to a specific matrix form.
  • A participant confirms that they successfully computed the matrix using a transition matrix, but expresses confusion due to a discrepancy in a text they were reading regarding the notation.
  • Further dialogue reveals that the text in question presented a matrix that was transposed compared to the participant's own work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of the notation ##[T]_{B,B'}##, but there is some confusion regarding its application in different texts, indicating a lack of consensus on the notation's usage.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential inconsistencies in notation across different texts, particularly regarding the interchangeability of comma and arrow notation, which may lead to misunderstandings.

Seydlitz
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Hello guys,

Let ##T: \mathbb{R^2} \to \mathbb{R^2}##. Suppose I have standard basis ##B = \{u_1, u_2\}## and another basis ##B^{\prime} = \{v_1, v_2\}## The linear transformation is described say as such ##T(v_1) = v_1 + v_2, T(v_2) = v_1##

If I want to write the matrix representing ##T## with respect to basis ##B^{\prime}## then I'll just find ##[T]_{B'}##. I can also find ##[T]_{B}## rather straightforward using similarity transformation if I know the transition matrix between those two bases.

But suddenly I encounter this notation ##[T]_{B,B'}##. I don't know exactly what this notation represents. Do you guys know what this notation mean? What other matrix should I provide in this case? Normally I use that comma subscript to denote transition matrix between bases, but never for linear transformation matrix.

Thank You
 
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It means that you take the basis ##B^\prime## on the domain and ##B## on the codomain (both are ##\mathbb{R}^2##). Or the other way around, depending on who is using the notation.

So the idea is to see what happens to ##v_i##. So look at ##T(v_1)## and ##T(v_2)## and express these in the ##\{u_1,u_2\}## basis. So you write ##T(v_1) = \alpha u_1 + \beta u_2## and ##T(v_2) = \gamma u_1 + \delta u_2##. The the matrix you seek is

\left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> \alpha &amp; \gamma\\<br /> \beta &amp; \delta<br /> \end{array}\right)
 
micromass said:
It means that you take the basis ##B^\prime## on the domain and ##B## on the codomain (both are ##\mathbb{R}^2##). Or the other way around, depending on who is using the notation.

So the idea is to see what happens to ##v_i##. So look at ##T(v_1)## and ##T(v_2)## and express these in the ##\{u_1,u_2\}## basis. So you write ##T(v_1) = \alpha u_1 + \beta u_2## and ##T(v_2) = \gamma u_1 + \delta u_2##. The the matrix you seek is

\left(\begin{array}{cc}<br /> \alpha &amp; \gamma\\<br /> \beta &amp; \delta<br /> \end{array}\right)

Thanks micromass for the help. It makes sense. I managed to get that matrix by post-multiplying ##[T]_b## with the transition matrix ##P_{B' \to B}##. I was just really confused because one of the text that I'm reading apparently got the matrix wrong. (Not considering the fact that they use comma and arrow notation interchangeably)
 
Seydlitz said:
Thanks micromass for the help. It makes sense. I managed to get that matrix by post-multiplying ##[T]_b## with the transition matrix ##P_{B' \to B}##.

That works too.

I was just really confused because one of the text that I'm reading apparently got the matrix wrong. (Not considering the fact that they use comma and arrow notation interchangeably)

What did the text say?
 
micromass said:
That works too.

What did the text say?

It's an example problem. The desired matrix is just the same with my own work, but somehow transposed.
 

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