Vectors Linear Independent - Are These Vectors Linearly Independent?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the linear independence of three vectors in R^4: v1 = (1,2,0,2), v2 = (2,3,1,4), and v3 = (0,1,-1,0). Participants are also tasked with expressing a fourth vector, v = (3,5,1,6), as a linear combination of the three vectors and discussing the uniqueness of this representation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods for checking linear independence, including setting up equations based on linear combinations. There is a focus on whether to use a system of equations derived from the vectors or to express the fourth vector in terms of the original three.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided different approaches to the problem, with some suggesting to prove linear independence through specific conditions on coefficients. Others are exploring how to express the vector v as a linear combination, leading to various interpretations of the equations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of confusion regarding the correct setup of equations for both parts of the task, as well as differing opinions on the implications of the results regarding linear dependence or independence.

CSNabeel
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Homework Statement


Considering the following vectors R[tex]^{4}[/tex]:

v1 = (1,2,0,2) v2 = (2,3,1,4) v3 = (0,1,-1,0)

Determine if these vectors are linearly independent. Let S be the linear span of the three vectors. Define a basis and the dimensions of S. Express the vector v=(3,5,1,6) as a linear combination of the three vectors. Can this be achieved in a unique way? Justify your answer?

Homework Equations


I tried to put it into matrix form and reduce via row echolon but I'm not if this is the correct or proper way


The Attempt at a Solution



[ 1 2 0 2
2 3 1 4
0 1 -1 0
3 5 1 6]

[ 1 2 0 2
0 -1 1 0
0 1 -1 0
0 0 0 0 ]

x +2y = 2
y - z = 0
-y + 2 = 0
therefore
y=z making it linearly independent
 
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You need to prove that p=q=r=0, for v1,v2,v3 to be linear independent:

[tex]pv_1 + qv_2 +rv_3=0[/tex]

[tex]p(1,2,0,2)+q(2,3,1,4)+r(0,1,-1,0)=0[/tex]

You should express the vector v in same manner as linear combination of v1,v2,v3: i.e pv1+qv2+rv3=v

p,q,r are random scalars.

Regards.
 
so with that being said which of the two do I follow from below to work out the answer?

a)

1p + 2q = 0
2p +3q +r = 0
q - r = 0
2p + 4q = 0

b)

1p + 2q = 3
2p +3q +r = 5
q - r = 1
2p + 4q = 6

and if I follow b I'm I right to think that p = 1 q =2 and r = 0
 
Last edited:
CSNabeel said:
so with that being said which of the two do I follow from below to work out the answer?

a)

1p + 2q = 0
2p +3q +r = 0
q - r = 0
2p + 4q = 0

b)

1p + 2q = 3
2p +3q +r = 5
q - r = 1
2p + 4q = 6

and if I follow b I'm I right to think that p = 1 q =2 and r = 0

Ok, your task have two parts,

a) to check the linear independence of the vectors v1,v2 and v3

b)to find out if the vector v can be represented as linear combination of the vectors v1,v2 and v3.

So you need to solve both a) and b).

Regards.
 
a)

1p + 2q = 0 (1)
2p +3q +r = 0 (2)
q - r = 0 (3)
2p + 4q = 0 (4)

(3) q = r
(1) p = -2q
put (3)and(1) into (2) 2(-2q) + 3(q) +q = -4q +3q + q = 0

p=-2
q = 1
r = 1

vectors are dependentb)

1p + 2q = 3 (1)
2p +3q +r = 5 (2)
q - r = 1 (3)
2p + 4q = 6 (4)

(3) q - 1 = r
(3) into (1) 2p + 3q + (q-1) = 5 ; 2p +4q = 6 (same as 4)
(4) can be divide by 2 to equal (1) answer therefore is

p = 1
q = 1
r = 0

so it that then correct?

Thank you by the way your really helpful
 
I am glad that I helped you.

Just a little correction:
a)
r=q
p=-2q
q any number in R, you chose q=1

The vectors are linear dependent

b)
r=q-1
p=3-2q
q any number in R, you chose it q=1

Regards.
 

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