Understanding Rank One Matrices and Their Application in Nullspace and Row Space

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of rank one matrices, specifically focusing on the relationship between the nullspace and row space of a given matrix. Participants explore examples and seek clarification on the implications of these concepts in linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant introduces a principle regarding rank one matrices and provides an example involving vectors and their nullspace.
  • Another participant questions the definitions of the matrix A and the vector x in the context of the nullspace and row space discussion.
  • A specific matrix A is defined as A=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 3 & 10\\2 & 6 & 20\\3 & 9 & 30\end{bmatrix}, with u=(1,2,3) being a vector related to the rank one matrix.
  • There is an explanation of how to row reduce the matrix A and the implications of this reduction on the nullspace and row space.
  • Participants discuss that the nullspace of A is equivalent to that of its reduced echelon form, while the column space is affected differently by the row reduction process.
  • Examples of vectors in the nullspace are provided, illustrating how they relate to the equation x+3y+10z=0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the implications of the results related to the nullspace and row space, and there is no consensus on the interpretation of these concepts. Multiple viewpoints and clarifications are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note the importance of understanding the definitions and relationships between the nullspace and row space, but the discussion lacks clarity on certain assumptions and the specific context of the matrix A.

applechu
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Hi:
I see an principle about rank one matrice in the book, and it says
if u=(1,2,3), [itex]\nu[/itex]t=[1 3 10], with Ax=0,
the equation [itex]\nu[/itex]tx=0;
The problem is I see an example like following:
s1=[-3
1
0]

s2=[-10
0
1]
The nullspace contains all combination of s1 and s2. and produces the plane
x+3y+10z=0, perpendicular to row(1,3,10). And it lead to the result
Nullspace perpendicular to row space. I didn't know what the result means and
how its imply, could anyone give me any instruct about that, thanks.
 
Last edited:
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sorry, rewrite the s1, s2;

s1=\begin{pmatrix}
-3\\
1\\
0
\end{pmatrix}
and s2= \begin{pmatrix}
-10\\
0\\
1
\end{pmatrix}
 
applechu said:
Hi:
I see an principle about rank one matrice in the book, and it says
if u=(1,2,3), [itex]\nu[/itex]t=[1 3 10], with Ax=0,
You defined u and [itex]\nu^t[/itex] but what is A and what is x?

the equation [itex]\nu[/itex]tx=0;
The problem is I see an example like following:
s1=[-3
1
0]

s2=[-10
0
1]
The nullspace contains all combination of s1 and s2. and produces the plane
x+3y+10z=0, perpendicular to row(1,3,10). And it lead to the result
Nullspace perpendicular to row space.
The "nullspace" and "row space"of what matrix?

I didn't know what the result means and
how its imply, could anyone give me any instruct about that, thanks.[/QUOTE]
 
Hi:
A is a matrix, A=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 3 & 10\\2 & 6 & 20\\3 & 9 & 30\end{bmatrix}
u=(1,2,3) , Thanks
 
applechu said:
Hi:
A is a matrix, A=\begin{bmatrix}1 & 3 & 10\\2 & 6 & 20\\3 & 9 & 30\end{bmatrix}
u=(1,2,3) , Thanks

The trick is to row reduce, we get

\begin{bmatrix}1 & 3 & 10\\0 & 0 & 0\\0 & 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}

So, let's think about this. To get to the reduced matrix, we can say we multiplied on the left by elementary matrices, leaving A to multiply any vector x on the other side. If x is is in the null space, in other words, if it solves Ax=0, wel then if and only if it's still in the null space after we multiplied by the elementary matrices. Therefore:

The nullspace of A is the same as that for the reduced echelon form.

For the row space, it's a little different, but the row reduced echelon form is helpful again. Since we were multiplying on the left, we changed the image, we change the column space. So the column space of A is not the same as the column space of the row reduced echelon form. But, the elementary matrices preserve linear dependence and linear independence, so the relations between columns is preserved. Blah blah, but what this means is:

The pivot columns of row reduced echelon form tell which columns of A span the column space of A.

So since the pivot columns of row reduced are just the leftmost column, the column space of A is spanned by it's left most column, that is (1,2,3).

For the null space of the row reduced echelon form, clearly it's where x+3y+10z=0. Trying z=0 and y=1 gives (-3,1,0), while y=0 and z=1 gives (-10,0,1).

Other problems may be more complicated, and ask for different forms of answers, but the two underlined sentences show how the row reduced form gets you closer to answers, and with a little cleverness, you can handle other problems.
 

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