Vector Subspaces: Determining U as a Subspace of M4x4 Matrices

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a specific subset U of M4x4 matrices, specifically the set of all 4x4 upper symmetric matrices, qualifies as a subspace of the vector space of all M4x4 matrices. Participants are exploring the definitions and properties related to vector spaces and matrix types.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the definition of "upper symmetric" matrices and discussing their characteristics. There are suggestions to analyze the requirements for a vector space step-by-step and to demonstrate operational closure under addition and scalar multiplication.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active with participants offering guidance on how to approach the problem, including the need to show operational closure and to list inherited properties. There is no explicit consensus on the definition of upper symmetric matrices or the nature of the subset U.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that parts of the original problem may be missing, which could affect the analysis. There is also a suggestion that the original poster should provide examples or counterexamples to demonstrate properties of the subset U.

mathiebug7
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Determine whether the following subsets U of M4x4is a subspace of the vector space V of all M4x4 matrices, with
the standard operations of matrix addition and scalar multiplication. If is not a subspace provide an example to
demonstrate a property that U does not possess.
a. The set U of all 4x4 upper symmetric matrices
 
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What are upper symmetric matrices? Doesn't sound symmetric though. And what do you think? You should show us your work!
 
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mathiebug7 said:
a. The set U of all 4x4 upper symmetric matrices
I am familiar with "upper triangular" and "symmetric", but I don't know what "upper symmetric" is.

In any case, you should proceed step-by-step through the definition of a vector space and show whether or not each requirement is satisfied. If any of them are difficult, we can give hints and guidance on textbook-type problems where you show your work.
 
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fresh_42 said:
What are upper symmetric matrices? Doesn't sound symmetric though. And what do you think?
I'm guessing diagonal matrices. :wink:
 
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vela said:
I'm guessing diagonal matrices. :wink:
This could be a way out if there wasn't that "U" and the extensive description of how to find a counterexample. Very suspicious, Watson!
 
fresh_42 said:
This could be a way out if there wasn't that "U" and the extensive description of how to find a counterexample. Very suspicious, Watson!
The OP seems to have posed only the (a) part of the question. Presumably the b, c, etc parts have been left out …
 
vela said:
I'm guessing diagonal matrices. :wink:
That certainly would work. This gets my vote.
 
Ultimately, OP needs to show operational closure under addition, scaling.
 
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WWGD said:
Ultimately, OP needs to show operational closure under addition, scaling.
Good point. IMO, for a beginning student, it would be good for him to go down the properties and list the ones that are inherited. Then prove the closure properties that are not just inherited.
 
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