Understanding a Proof: Uniqueness of R Determined by W Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the uniqueness of the reduced row echelon matrix R determined by a subspace W and its basis. Participants are exploring the implications of linear independence and the properties of row reduced matrices in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the proof in their textbook regarding why R is uniquely determined by W, seeking clarification on the argument presented.
  • Another participant poses a question about the uniqueness of the reduced row echelon matrix R given a subspace W and its basis.
  • A different participant questions what is meant by the "row reduced matrix" and whether it refers to the matrix of the basis.
  • One participant asserts that the column vectors (basis) are linearly independent, which may contribute to the uniqueness of R.
  • Another participant provides a more complex explanation involving systems of equations and the concept of isomorphic projections, suggesting that the non-trivial entries of the reduced echelon form correspond to unique equations defining a function.
  • This last participant acknowledges that their explanation may not be easily understood by everyone, indicating a level of complexity in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views and interpretations regarding the uniqueness of R, with no clear consensus reached among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully clarified the definitions and assumptions related to the reduced row echelon matrix and its relationship to the basis of the subspace, leaving some aspects unresolved.

marcin w
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I've scanned a page out of my textbook and highlighted the portion of the proof I don't quite follow. I've been staring at this on and off for a day and for some reason it just doesn't click why the argument shows that R is uniquely determined by W. I see the author is proving an implication and it's converse, but I can't tie it together. I'd appreciate it if anyone could break it down for me a little more. Thanks.
 

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The question, if anyone fancies answering it is this:

Given a subspace W, and some basis of W then why is the corresponding reduced row echelon matrix R unique.
 
matt grime said:
The question, if anyone fancies answering it is this:

Given a subspace W, and some basis of W then why is the corresponding reduced row echelon matrix R unique.

row reduced matrix of what? the matrix of the basis?
 
What else? You could have looked at the attachment, as well.
 
because the column(basis) vectors are linearly independent
 
given a system of equations, they define a linear subspace which can be viewed as the graph of a linear function on the unique subspace of coordinates furthest possible to the right, which is an isomorphic projection of the solution subspace.

the non trivial entries of the reduced echelon form are the equations for the function defined by this graph, hence are unique.

i don't expect everyone to understand this but some will.
 
Last edited:

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