Properties of linear transformation, did my professor make an error?

In summary, the conversation is about a student studying a matrix transformation and trying to understand why the professor made a typo when writing out the transformation. The student wants to make sure they don't make the same mistake on the exam.
  • #1
mr_coffee
1,629
1
Hello everyone, I'm studying an example my professor did, and it isn't making sense to me... here is the orignal matrix:
THe oringal matrix is:
T = [3s-t]
[t]...[2t+7s]
he wants to determine if the following trnasformation is Linear.
Here is what he wrote on the board:
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/8454/lastscan0mm.jpg

Why does he say:
T[x*s1]
..[x*s2]

then when he finally proves that is passes the 2nd test of linear transformations, he writes:

x*T[s1]
...[t1]

when right up there he has s2 on the bottom, did he to say:
T[x*s1]
..[x*t1]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #2
That's just a typo ofcourse. The whole subscript thing is also redundant, that's probably why he confused s2 and t1. s2 and t1 are both referred to as the second component of the vector.
 
  • #3
So is it suppose to be:
T[x*s1]
..[x*t1]
?
I don't want to miss it on the exam, because this was the pratice exam
 
  • #4
In the example you attached, replace each occurence of t1 with s2.

The result would then be,

[tex]T
\begin{array}{|c|}
\alpha s_1 \\
\alpha s_2 \\
\end{array}
=
\alpha T
\begin{array}{|c|}
s_1 \\
s_2 \\
\end{array}
[/tex]
 

1. What are the properties of a linear transformation?

The properties of a linear transformation are:

  • Preservation of addition: T(u+v) = T(u) + T(v)
  • Preservation of scalar multiplication: T(ku) = kT(u)
  • Preservation of the zero vector: T(0) = 0

2. How can I check if my professor made an error in a linear transformation problem?

To check for errors in a linear transformation, you can:

  • Verify that the transformation satisfies all three properties listed above.
  • Check if the dimensions of the input and output vectors are consistent.
  • Use a calculator or software to perform the transformation and compare the results to your professor's solution.

3. Can a linear transformation have more than one input vector?

Yes, a linear transformation can have multiple input vectors. However, for each input vector, there is only one corresponding output vector.

4. Is it possible for a linear transformation to map a vector onto itself?

Yes, it is possible for a linear transformation to map a vector onto itself. This occurs when the transformation is simply a scalar multiplication by 1.

5. How can I apply the properties of a linear transformation in real-life situations?

The properties of a linear transformation can be applied in many fields, such as engineering, physics, and economics. For example, in engineering, linear transformations can be used to model the behavior of electrical circuits or the flow of fluids. In economics, linear transformations can be used to analyze supply and demand curves or to predict market trends.

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