Set of vectors, linearly dependent or independent?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a given set of vectors is linearly dependent or independent. The vectors provided include pairs and a triplet, with participants exploring the implications of their relationships in a linear algebra context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the Gauss-Jordan elimination method to assess linear independence for pairs of vectors. They also question whether their approach is sufficient for three vectors and seek advice on efficient notation in LaTeX.
  • Some participants question the necessity of additional work to demonstrate independence and discuss the implications of showing a single case of dependence.
  • Others suggest reconsidering the dimensionality of the vector space when assessing the independence of the set of vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on the original poster's attempts and clarifying concepts related to linear independence. Some guidance on notation and methods has been offered, while multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the constraints of working within specific dimensions, highlighting that it is impossible to have more than two independent vectors in a two-dimensional space. There is also mention of the original poster's concern about the efficiency of their work presentation.

Mutaja
Messages
239
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Check if the following set of vectors are linearly dependent or independent:

A) V1= \stackrel{1}{1} V2= \stackrel{1}{3}

B) V1= \stackrel{\stackrel{1}{2}}{3} V2= \stackrel{\stackrel{2}{1}}{3}

C) V1= \stackrel{1}{3} V2= \stackrel{2}{1} V3= \stackrel{-1}{2}

Homework Equations



Gauss-Jordan, equation with two unknowns.

The Attempt at a Solution



A) x1 * V1 + x2*v2 = 0

if x1 AND x2 = 0, then they're linearly independent. If not, they're linearly dependent.

\stackrel{1}{1} \stackrel{1}{3} * \stackrel{X1}{X2} = 0

Using gauss jordan I get: \stackrel{1}{1} \stackrel{1}{3} \stackrel{0}{0} -> \stackrel{1}{0}\stackrel{1}{2}\stackrel{0}{0}-> \stackrel{1}{0}\stackrel{1}{1}\stackrel{0}{0}-> \stackrel{1}{0}\stackrel{0}{1}\stackrel{0}{0} which gives me x1 = 0, x2 = 0.

X1+ X2 = 0
X1 + 3X2 = 0

-2X2 = 0 -> X2 = 0
X1 = 0.

Both X1 and X2 has to be 0 -> linearly independent.

B) X1*V1 + X2*V2 = 0

Using the same method -> Gauss Jordan. I end up with the same, X1 an X2 has to be 0 -> linearly independent.

Please do let me know if I should write all my work here as well. Leaving it as it is for now as it takes 15 minutes, and I've done the exact same steps as above.

C) Here we can see that V1 - V2 = V3, therefore they are linearly dependent.

Is this sufficient to "check" if they're linearly dependent or independent, or do I have to do more work? If so, do you have any tips on how to proceed with three vectors?

Also, any tips regarding how to write vectors or matrices efficiently with latex or what it's called, please let me know. I'll be more than happy to include more of my work if I can do it somewhat efficiently.

Thanks for any input.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Your answers are correct.
 
Thank you for your quick reply, really appreciate it!
 
Is this sufficient to "check" if they're linearly dependent or independent, or do I have to do more work?
To show the set is dependent you need only show a single case of dependence ... showing independence is the one that involves hard work.

If so, do you have any tips on how to proceed with three vectors?
Bottom of page:
http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/hom...ulusQuestStudyGuides/vcalc/lindep/lindep.html

Also, any tips regarding how to write vectors or matrices efficiently with latex or what it's called, please let me know. I'll be more than happy to include more of my work if I can do it somewhat efficiently.

you can use the "matrix" environment:$$v_1=\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 1 \end{pmatrix},\; v_2=\begin{pmatrix}1\\ 3 \end{pmatrix}$$
... hit the "quote" button to see what I did :)
http://www.math-linux.com/latex-26/faq/latex-faq/How-to-write-matrices-in-Latex
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: 1 person
Hmmm. I have no big problem with your answers. But they aren't 'optimum' (in some ways).
First V1 = ( 1,1), V2 = (1,3) ...these are NOT the same as (1,1,0) and (1,3,0)!
Second by simple inspection, there is no number x which will multiply (1,1) and produce (1,3). This is obvious...all you can get is (x,x). So, the set is independent.
Third the same thing is obviously true for (1,2,3) and (2,1,3)...there is exactly one number (scalar multiplication, of course) which will get you from the first element of vector 1 to the first element of vector 2. That number is 2... 2*(1,2,3) = (2,4,6) which is, again obviously, NOT (2,1,3). so also independent.
Fourth. It is IMPOSSIBLE to have MORE than 2 independent vectors in any (real) 2-vector. You didn't have to do any math to know that C could not be a set of three independent 2-vectors. Not possible. You can not have more than n independent n-vectors (over the real vector spaces).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K