Proving Subspace of a Matrix in R2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether a specific matrix, defined by constraints on its elements, can be considered a subspace of R² or the vector space of 2x2 matrices. Participants explore the definitions and properties of subspaces in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially suggests proving that a matrix S is a subspace of R², defined by constraints a = -2d and b = 3c - d.
  • Another participant corrects this by stating that a matrix cannot be a subspace of R², as R² consists of points, not matrices.
  • A later reply proposes that the intended question might be to show that the set of matrices of the form \begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c - d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix} is a subspace of the vector space of 2x2 matrices, M(2,2).
  • Participants discuss the need to demonstrate closure under addition and scalar multiplication for the set of matrices defined by the constraints.
  • One participant questions how to prove closure under addition and multiplication, seeking clarification on the necessary steps.
  • Another participant provides a detailed explanation of how to show closure under addition and scalar multiplication, using specific matrix examples.
  • There is a mention of a set B consisting of two specific matrices, with a request to determine if they form a basis for the subspace.
  • Further elaboration is provided on the conditions for a basis, including independence and spanning the subspace.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that a single matrix cannot be a subspace of R², but there is no consensus on the original intent of the question. Multiple competing views exist regarding the correct interpretation and approach to proving properties of the set of matrices.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the original question's phrasing and the implications of the constraints on the matrix elements. The discussion includes unresolved steps in proving closure and basis conditions.

jj48
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Hi.

if anybody can help me

Let S be the matrix a b
c d

with a constrain a = -2d, b= 3c -d

Prove that S is a subspace of R2?
 
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matrix

a b
c d
 
It looks like you have misread the problem.

A matrix cannot be a subspace. Even a set of matrices cannot be a subspace of R^2, because R^2 consists of points, not matrices.
 
jj48 said:
Hi.

if anybody can help me

Let S be the matrix a b
c d

with a constrain a = -2d, b= 3c -d

Prove that S is a subspace of R2?
As Tac-Tics said, you must have misread the problem. You can't "prove that S is a subspace of R2", it isn't true. A matrix is NOT a subspace of R2.

It is possible that you were asked to show that the set of all matrices of the form
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
is a subspace of the M(2,2), the vector space of all 2 by 2 matrices. You would do that by showing that the set is closed under addition and scalar multiplication. That is, if
[tex]M= \begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
and
[tex]N= \begin{bmatrix}-2y & 3x- y \\ x & y\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
are matrices in this set and "a" is a number
are
[tex]M+ N= \begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}+ \begin{bmatrix}-2y & 3x- y \\ x & y\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
and
[tex]aM= a\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
also in that set?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Maybe there is a condition on matrix and it is asked to consider the set of (c,d) pairs. Then RxR makes sense seemingly...
 
Yes, you are right HallsofIvy. how i profe that they r close under multiplication and addition. do i have to add and them factorise to go back to the original?
 
thank you HallsofIvy you were right. I read wrong the question. it is if it is a subspace of the M(2,2), the vector space of all 2 by 2 matricess.

How to i proof that they are close under adittion and multiplication and if i consider the set B = |B1 B2|
B1 = 0 -6
-2 0

B2 = 2 4
1 -1

find if B is bases of the first question?
 
I thought I had responded to this but I don't find it now.

You have the set of all 2 by 2 matrices of the form
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
another such is
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2y & 3x- y \\ x & y\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
Their sum is
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}+\begin{bmatrix}-2y & 3x- y \\ x & y\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
[tex]= \begin{bmatrix}-2d-2y & 3c- d+ 3x- y \\ c+ x & d+ y\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}-2(d+y) & 3(c+x)- (c+y)\\ c+ x & d+y \end{bmatrix}[/tex]
Do you see how that final matrix also satisifies the definition of this set of matrices?

If a is any number then
[tex]a\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}-2ad & 3ac- ad \\ ac & ad\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
Again, do you see how this matrix satisfies the condition to be in the set?

To show that
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}0 & -6 \\ -2 & 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
and
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}2 & 4 \\ 1 & -1\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
form a basis for the subspace, you must show that they satify the conditions for a basis: that they are independent and that they span the subspace.
If
[tex]A\begin{bmatrix}0 & -6 \\ -2 & 0\end{bmatrix}+ B\begin{bmatrix}2 & 4 \\ 1 & -1\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
Setting the matrices on the two sides of that equation equal gives you four equations to solve for A and B. If the only solution is A= B= 0, the matrices are independent

Then, given any numbers, c, d so that
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c- d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
is in the set, you must show that there exist numbers A and B such that
[tex]A\begin{bmatrix}0 & -6 \\ -2 & 0\end{bmatrix}+ B\begin{bmatrix}2 & 4 \\ 1 & -1\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}-2d & 3c-d \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
Again, you set the two matrices on either side of the equation equal so you get 4 equations for A and B. Here, you must only show that those equations have a solution no matter what c and d are.
 
thank you very much i got it
 

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