MHB The Meaning of Degenerate in the Context of Linear Algebra

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Degeneracy in the context of linear algebra refers to a situation where a linear transformation, such as the derivative map, has a non-trivial null space, indicating that there are non-zero elements that map to zero. In the case of \(f(x) \rightarrow f'(x)\) on \(R[x]_{n}\), the transformation is considered degenerate because it has such a null space. Conversely, the transformation is non-degenerate on the span of \(\sin t\) and \(\cos t\), where the derivative does not map any non-zero functions to zero. Understanding these concepts is crucial for grasping advanced linear algebra topics. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing degeneracy in different contexts within linear transformations.
Sudharaka
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Hi everyone, :)

Here's a question I encountered.

Show that \(f(x)\rightarrow f'(x)\) is degenerate on \(R[x]_{n}\) and is non-degenerate on \(<\sin t,\,\cos t>\)

Don't give me the full answer but explain what is meant by degeneracy in this context.

Thank you.
 
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It means the derivative map has a non-trivial null space.
 
Deveno said:
It means the derivative map has a non-trivial null space.

Thank you very much. Now I understand it perfectly. I am doing an Advanced Linear Algebra course and I am not getting everything perfectly. I think I have to put a lot of effort into it. :)
 

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