V is vector space of all antisimetric 3x3 matrices

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the coordinates of a given antisymmetric 3x3 matrix A relative to a specified basis of matrices E_1, E_2, and E_3. Participants emphasize the need to express A as a linear combination of the basis matrices, leading to a system of equations based on the matrix entries. The entries of matrix A provide distinct values that help formulate these equations. The approach involves setting up equations for specific entries of A, such as A_12, A_13, and A_23, to solve for the coefficients a, b, and c. Overall, the conversation clarifies the process of determining the coordinates of matrix A in relation to the defined basis.
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Homework Statement



V is vector space of all antisimetric 3x3 matrices. Find the coordinates of the matrix

A=<br /> \left| \begin{array}{ccc}<br /> \ 0 &amp; 1 &amp; -2 \\<br /> -1 &amp; 0 &amp; -3 \\<br /> 2 &amp; 3 &amp; 0 \end{array} \right|\]

relative to the base

E_1= <br /> \left| \begin{array}{ccc} <br /> \ 0 &amp; 1 &amp; 1 \\<br /> -1 &amp; 0 &amp; 0 \\<br /> -1 &amp; 0 &amp; 0 \end{array} \right|\] <br />

E_2=<br /> \left| \begin{array}{ccc} <br /> \ 0 &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \\<br /> 0 &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \\<br /> -1 &amp; -1 &amp; 0 \end{array} \right|\] <br />

E_3=<br /> \left| \begin{array}{ccc} <br /> \ 0 &amp; -1 &amp; 0 \\<br /> 1 &amp; 0 &amp; -1 \\<br /> 0 &amp; 1 &amp; 0 \end{array} \right|\] <br />

Homework Equations



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The Attempt at a Solution



I know to solve just linear map, don't know how to solve this. Please help! Thank you.
 
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I believe you are looking for the coefficients that work in the linear combination

A = aE_1 + bE_2 + cE_3 .

So you have three unknowns and are going to need three equations. Fortunately, you have three distinct non-zero entries in A to work with. Using the rules of matrix algebra, you'll want to set up equations for those entries of A.

For the A_12 entry, for example, you'll have

1 = a · 1 + b · 0 + c · (-1) .

You would do likewise for, say, the entries A_13 = -2 and
A_23 = -3 . You then have a system of linear equations to solve.
 
So first he should multiply aE_1+bE_2+cE_3=matrixA, like this?
 
Physicsissuef said:
So first he should multiply aE_1+bE_2+cE_3=matrixA, like this?

That's what's meant by a "linear combination": I'm assuming that's what the question is looking for by asking for "coordinates of the matrix" in terms of the basis (I hadn't seen the term used that way before). However, these matrices are simple enough that you can just pick off the entries you need to work with.
 
Yes, that's it. Thanks guys.
dynamicsolo, I said "the matrix A in ratio (relative) to the basis made of E_1,E_2,E_3"
 
Yes, that's it. Thanks guys.
dynamicsolo, I said "the matrix A in ratio (relative) to the basis made of E_1,E_2,E_3"
 

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