Why are my answers for Linear Algebra homework incorrect?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a Linear Algebra homework assignment involving matrix operations, specifically matrix multiplication and row operations on identity matrices. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their answers, particularly in calculating the product of a vector with itself and in performing row operations correctly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to compute the product of a vector with itself but is unsure about the process for the uTu calculation. They also question their application of row operations on the identity matrix, noting discrepancies in their results compared to expected answers.

Discussion Status

Some participants confirm the correctness of the original poster's calculation for uuT but raise questions about the source of certain values in their row operations. There is an acknowledgment of misunderstanding regarding the definition of elementary matrices and the nature of the operations being performed, with participants suggesting a need to separate operations for clarity.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references their notes as a source of confusion, indicating that the methods discussed in class may have led to the accumulation of operations, which is not aligned with the requirements of the homework questions.

ElliottG
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Homework Statement


[URL]http://74.52.147.194/~devilthe/uploads/1317866006.png[/URL]

The Attempt at a Solution



I have gotten the matix multiplication uuT CORRECT! The only thing I can't get is the uTu part. I don't have an attempt at a solution because I have zero idea!

Second question:

Homework Statement


[URL]http://74.52.147.194/~devilthe/uploads/1317803280.png[/URL]

The Attempt at a Solution


Now, I have done this exactly per as in my notes (I hope?)

I applied the same row operations that are said in the question to the 3x3 identity matrix...yet it shows that some of them are wrong? ~85% of my answers are right but some of them aren't.

For instance, the "1/6" in E2 1st column 1st row is wrong (WTF?)

Double checks would be appreciated and even my methods!

Thanks,
Elliott
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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1) Yes, your [itex]uu^T[/itex] is correct.
[tex]u^Tu= \begin{bmatrix}-4 & 2 & 7 \end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}-4 \\ 2 \\ 7\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
which is just like a "dot product" of the vector withitself.

2) Yes, (a) is correct. In (b) where did that "6" come from? An "elementary" matrix is, by definition, a matrix derived from the identity matrix by a single "row operation" and so can differ from the identity matrix in a single place. You are not combining (b) with (a) are you? They are completely separate questions.

Same thing in (c) and (d) you appear to be "accumulating" operations in each question and you are NOT asked to do that. Each answer should differ from the identity matrix in a single place.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
HallsofIvy said:
1) Yes, your [itex]uu^T[/itex] is correct.
[tex]u^Tu= \begin{bmatrix}-4 & 2 & 7 \end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix}-4 \\ 2 \\ 7\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
which is just like a "dot product" of the vector withitself.

2) Yes, (a) is correct. In (b) where did that "6" come from? An "elementary" matrix is, by definition, a matrix derived from the identity matrix by a single "row operation" and so can differ from the identity matrix in a single place. You are not combining (b) with (a) are you? They are completely separate questions.

Same thing in (c) and (d) you appear to be "accumulating" operations in each question and you are NOT asked to do that. Each answer should differ from the identity matrix in a single place.

I see.

I don't understand your explanation for my question #1, though!

As for 2, I see what the problem is. I was accumulating operations because that's what we were doing in the notes for some reason...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ElliottG said:
I see.

I don't understand your explanation for my question #1, though!
uTu is the product of two matrices: a 1 x 3 matrix multiplying a 3 x 1 matrix. The product will be 1 x 1. For all intents and purposes, this is a scalar.

uTu produces the same value as u [itex]\cdot[/itex] u.
ElliottG said:
As for 2, I see what the problem is. I was accumulating operations because that's what we were doing in the notes for some reason...
 

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