Solution space to homogenous equations.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on finding the solution space of a system of linear homogeneous equations represented by three equations: x - y + z - w = 0, 2x + y - z + 2w = 0, and 2y + 3z + w = 0. The initial claim of the solution space being represented by the vector (-z, -3z, 3z, z) is challenged, as it does not satisfy the original equations. The correct interpretation indicates that the solution space is a one-dimensional subspace, necessitating the presence of a free variable due to the system having four unknowns and only three equations.

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CalculusSandwich
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Ok so my question was:

The directions state:

Find the solution space of the following systems of linear homogeneous equations:

x-y+z-w=0
2x+y-z+2w=0
2y+3z+w=0

Is the same as finding the solutions, because I did that and got (-z, -3z, 3z, z). So i said
the solution space is actually the subspace you get. For instance, this problem yields a one dimensional subspace.
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And someone responded:

I don't think that solution set is right.

The vector -1,-3,3,1 does not give you 0 when used as weights in the original equation. It is a system of 4 unknowns in 3 rows there has to be a free variable somewhere. That means when you write your free variable in terms of the other variables, there should be a 0 in that solution set.

The solution (-1,-3,3,1) does not satisfy ax=0.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Am i right or am i wrong here?
 
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I think you made an error somewhere. Substituting your answer into the first equation doesn't give 0. How did you get (-z, 3z, 3z, z) ?
 
CalculusSandwich said:
Ok so my question was:

The directions state:

Find the solution space of the following systems of linear homogeneous equations:

x-y+z-w=0
2x+y-z+2w=0
2y+3z+w=0

Is the same as finding the solutions, because I did that and got (-z, -3z, 3z, z). So i said
the solution space is actually the subspace you get. For instance, this problem yields a one dimensional subspace.
I suggest you try that again. That is not at all what I get.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And someone responded:

I don't think that solution set is right.

The vector -1,-3,3,1 does not give you 0 when used as weights in the original equation. It is a system of 4 unknowns in 3 rows there has to be a free variable somewhere. That means when you write your free variable in terms of the other variables, there should be a 0 in that solution set.

The solution (-1,-3,3,1) does not satisfy ax=0.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Am i right or am i wrong here?
 

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