What is the Submanifold of Rank 1 2x2 Matrices in R^4?

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The discussion focuses on proving that the set of all 2x2 matrices of rank 1 forms a submanifold of R^4. The approach involves showing that the determinant function acts as a submersion on the manifold of nonzero 2x2 matrices, leading to the conclusion that the preimage of zero under the determinant is a 3-dimensional submanifold. The challenge lies in rigorously demonstrating that this set is also a submanifold of R^4, given that the nonzero matrices form an open subset of R^4. The geometric intuition is considered, particularly regarding configurations that could disrupt the manifold structure. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the definitions and properties of submanifolds in this context.
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Homework Statement


Show that the set of all 2x2 matrices of rank 1 is a submanifold of R^4


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The Attempt at a Solution



The hint in the book was to show that the determinant function is a submersion on the manifold of nonzero 2x2 matrix M(2) - 0. This is easy to show. So I have that det^{-1}(0) \subset M(2) - 0 is a 3 dimensional sub manifold of M(2) - 0. But how do I show that it's a submanifold of R^4?

I know that M(2) - 0 is an open subset of R^4... I get the intuitive idea, but I don't see how to write a rigorous proof. How do I show that the set of 2x2 matrices of rank 1 is a submanifold of R^4 if I just showed that it is a submanifold of M(2) - 0?
 
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Think geometrically -- what configuration would be "bad", that is, cause your manifold not to be a submanifold of \mathbb{R}^4?
 
That didn't help me too much, I just looked up the definition of submanifold (explicitly) and just used that. It works quite nicely.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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