Question about linear transformations

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a question related to linear transformations, specifically focusing on the representation of a linear transformation defined by a given matrix in a different basis. The original poster presents a matrix and asks for assistance in finding the transformation's representation in a specified basis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express a vector as a linear combination of the basis vectors and applies the transformation to this combination. They question the validity of their results when comparing the transformation of a specific vector with the matrix multiplication.
  • Some participants seek clarification on the notation used, particularly regarding the relationship between the transformation and the matrix. They express confusion over the original poster's assumptions about the transformation and the matrix representation.
  • Others suggest that careful attention to notation is necessary when dealing with multiple bases, indicating that the original poster may be conflating different representations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing clarifications and raising questions about the original poster's approach. There is a focus on ensuring that the notation is correctly understood to avoid confusion in the context of linear transformations and their representations in different bases.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of distinguishing between different bases and the corresponding representations of linear transformations. There is an emphasis on the need for clear notation to facilitate understanding of the problem.

bonildo
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Summary:: linear transformations

Hello everyone, firstly sorry about my English, I'm from Brazil.

Secondly I want to ask you some help in solving a question about linear transformations.

Here is the question:Consider the linear transformation described by the matrix \mathsf{A} \in \Re ^{2x2}<br /> given by:

A =<br /> \begin{pmatrix}<br /> 1 &amp; 1 \\<br /> -1 &amp; 1 \\<br /> \end{pmatrix}<br />

a) Find the representation of the linear transformation in the basis V={v1,v2}, where v1=transpose(1,1) , v2=transpose(2,0)

My approach:

Choosing and arbitrary vector in the vector space that V span then it can be write as a linear combination of the basis:

v=(x,y)=a1(1,1)+a2(2,0)

Applying T on both sides:

T(v)=T((x,y))=a1T(1,1)+a2T(2,0)

Finding T(1,1) and T(2,0):

T(1,1)=A*(1,1) =(2,0)
T(2,0)=A*(2,0) = (2,-2)

then:

T((x,y))= (2 a1 + 2 a2, -2 a2)

Solving for a1 and a2:

a1=(x+y)/2
a2=-y

and finally T(x,y):
T(x,y)=(x+y)/2 (2,0) +(-y)(2,-2) = (x-y,2y)But when I substitute T(x,y) with (1,1) I don't get the same answer as A*(1,1) . Can someone help me with it ?

T(1,1)=(1-1,2*1) =(0,2)
and
A*(1,1) = (2,0)

[Moderator's note: Moved from a technical forum and thus no template.]
 
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Hi,

I don't understand what you are doing. Could you clarify your symbols ?
e.g if you write $$T(1,1)=A*(1,1) =(2,0)$$ it looks to me as if you think ##T = A##.

I also get another result:$$
A \begin{pmatrix} 1\\ 1\\ \end {pmatrix} =
\begin{pmatrix}
\phantom - 1 & 1 \\
-1 & 1 \\
\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 1\\ 1\\ \end {pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix} \phantom - 1+1\\ -1+1\\ \end {pmatrix} =\begin{pmatrix} 2\\ 0\\ \end {pmatrix}$$which in the basis V is equal to ##v_2##. Similarly$$
A \begin{pmatrix} 2\\ 0\\ \end {pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} \phantom - 2\\ -2\\ \end {pmatrix} = 2 v_1 - 2v_2 $$So in the basis V, I would expect $$A'=
\begin{pmatrix}
0 &\phantom - 2 \\
1 & -2 \\
\end{pmatrix}$$
 
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BvU said:
Hi,

I don't understand what you are doing. Could you clarify your symbols ?
e.g if you write $$T(1,1)=A*(1,1) =(2,0)$$ it looks to me as if you think ##T = A##.

I don't mean T=A , I mean T((1,1))=A*(1,1). In other words, the transformation applied to the vector (1,1) is equal to matrix A times (1,1). But I'm not sure if this equation is right... Did you get it ?
 
bonildo said:
I don't mean T=A , I mean T((1,1))=A*(1,1). In other words, the transformation applied to the vector (1,1) is equal to matrix A times (1,1). But I'm not sure if this equation is right... Did you get it ?

You need to be careful with notation when dealing with more than one basis. We have the first basis we are given:
$$e_1 \leftrightarrow \begin{pmatrix} 1\\ 0\\ \end {pmatrix}, e_2 \leftrightarrow \begin{pmatrix} 0\\ 1\\ \end {pmatrix}$$
In which the linear transformation ##T## is represented by the matrix:
$$T \leftrightarrow A = \begin{pmatrix}
1 & 1 \\
-1 & 1 \\
\end{pmatrix}
$$
Now, you have a second basis. I'll use the notation that vectors and linear transformations represented in this basis are indicated by a prime ##'##. The basis vectors are:
$$v_1 \leftrightarrow \begin{pmatrix} 1\\ 0\\ \end {pmatrix}' \leftrightarrow \begin{pmatrix} 1\\ 1\\ \end {pmatrix}, v_2 \leftrightarrow\begin{pmatrix} 0\\ 1\\ \end {pmatrix}' \leftrightarrow \begin{pmatrix} 2\\ 0\\ \end {pmatrix}$$
And the linear transformation ##T## is represented by the matrix:
$$T \leftrightarrow A' = \begin{pmatrix}
a & b\\
c & d \\
\end{pmatrix}'
$$
Where you have to find ##a, b, c, d##.

Unless you use the primed notation, you are going to get confused. Does that make sense?
 
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