Questions about the concept of subspace of linear transformation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of subspaces of linear transformations, specifically focusing on the properties and dimensions of these subspaces within the context of linear algebra. Participants explore definitions, properties of linear operators, and the implications of dimensionality in relation to finite-dimensional spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants seek clarification on what it means for T to be a finite dimensional subspace of L(V) and the implications for T(U).
  • There is a discussion about the definition of L(V) as the vector space of all linear operators from a finite-dimensional space V to itself.
  • Participants question the notation and meaning of T(U) and the relationship between T and V, with some asserting that T is a subspace of L(V) rather than V.
  • One participant proposes that T being a finite dimensional subspace implies it must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication, providing an example involving non-invertible operators.
  • Another participant suggests that the set of operators that leave a specific subspace invariant forms a subspace of L(V).
  • There is a mention of the space of all continuous linear operators from V to V as a potential example of a subspace of L(V).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of L(V) and the properties of subspaces, but there is some confusion regarding the notation and implications of T(U). The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific interpretations and proofs related to the initial problem statement.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of dimensionality, particularly in relation to the properties of linear transformations and their subspaces. There are also unresolved questions about the notation used in the problem statement.

bigheadsam
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Hi all,
I have some questions about the concept of subspace of linear transformation and its dimension, when I try to prove following problems:
Prove T is a finite dimensional subspace of L(V) and U is a finite dimensional subspace of V, then
T(U) = {F(u) | F is in T, u is in U} is a subspace of V,
Dim(T(U))<=(dim(T))(dim(U))

What does “T is a finite dimensional subspace of L(V)” mean?
L1(v)+L2(v) = (L1+L2)(v)
aL1(v) = (aL1)(v) ?

and what is dim(T) and dim(T(U))?

Every Linear transformation has its Matrix format, dim(T) is dim(M(T))?
I am a fish in Linear algebra. Hope I explain my questions clearly.
 
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bigheadsam said:
I am a fish in Linear algebra.

You are a fish in definitions, obviously. First of all, I assume that by L(V) you mean the vector space of all linear operators from some finite dimensional space V to V?
 
radou said:
You are a fish in definitions, obviously. First of all, I assume that by L(V) you mean the vector space of all linear operators from some finite dimensional space V to V?

Yeah, L(V) means the vector space of all linear operators from finite dimensional space V to V.
 
OK, so, first of all, I assume this is the problem statement:

Prove that, if T is a finite dimensional subspace of L(V) and U is a finite dimensional subspace of V, then
(i) T(U) = {F(u) | F is in T, u is in U} is a subspace of V,
(ii) Dim(T(U))<=(dim(T))(dim(U)) .

In general, if A : V --> W is a linear operator, and L is a subspace of V, then A(L) is a subspace of W. Do you know how to prove that?
 
T(U) = {F(u) | F is in T, u is in U} is a subspace of V
If T is a subspace of V, then what do you mean by T(U)? If F is in T, then F is a vector in V. What do you mean by F(u)?
 
HallsofIvy said:
If T is a subspace of V, then what do you mean by T(U)? If F is in T, then F is a vector in V. What do you mean by F(u)?

He said T was a subspace of L(V), not V.
 
radou said:
In general, if A : V --> W is a linear operator, and L is a subspace of V, then A(L) is a subspace of W. Do you know how to prove that?

yeah, I know how to prove it.
I just has an idea of what does "T is a finite dimensional subspace of L(V)" mean.
Does It mean that T is a subset of one kind of operator and this subset must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication.
for example, the non-invertible operator is not a subspace of L(V), cause it is not closed under addition. [tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}1&0\\0&0\end{array}\right)[/tex] and [tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}0&0\\0&1\end{array}\right)[/tex] they are both non-invertible operator but their addition [tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}1&0\\0&1\end{array}\right)[/tex] is invertible.
 
bigheadsam said:
yeah, I know how to prove it.
I just has an idea of what does "T is a finite dimensional subspace of L(V)" mean.
Does It mean that T is a subset of one kind of operator and this subset must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication.

Yes, exactly.

For example, take some subspace M of V. We say that M is invariant under the operator A, if A(M) is in M. Now, for some fixed subspace M, take the set of all operators such that M is invariant for these operators. Then this set is a subspace of L(V).

Edit: perhaps a more instructive example of a subspace of L(V) would be the space of all continuous linear operators from V to V.
 
Last edited:
Thank you radou.
I think I've already figured out how to prove the problem.
 

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