A Question on Notation about Linear Algebra

In summary, the conversation discusses different notations for writing vectors and functions, including the use of the identity matrix and unit vectors. It is suggested to use simpler notation, such as writing vectors as <x, y, z> or using the transpose symbol for column vectors. The notation for functions is also clarified as symbol, domain, codomain, and correspondence. Ultimately, using the identity matrix for vectors would result in writing extra zeros.
  • #1
GreenPrint
1,196
0
Could I write
v = 4i + 3j -2k as
v =
[ 4 |
| 3 | * I_3
| -2 ]

were I_3 is the 3x3 identity matrix and the other thing it's multiplied by is a 3x1 matrix of values 4,3,-2

I also had a question about the notation
f(x) = x^2 + 3
can be written as
f: x |-> x^2 + 3

can I write vectors in this matter as well if instead
v = 4x^2 i + 3x j -2x k
as
v: x |-> 4x^2 i + 3x j - 2x k
or something like
v: x |->
[ 4x |
| 3 | * x * I_3
| -2 ]

I'm sort of confused by
f: x |-> and just want to make sure I'm applying it correctly and am wondering if I can use the identity matrix instead of the unit vectors?
 
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  • #2
GreenPrint said:
Could I write
v = 4i + 3j -2k as
v =
[ 4 |
| 3 | * I_3
| -2 ]

were I_3 is the 3x3 identity matrix and the other thing it's multiplied by is a 3x1 matrix of values 4,3,-2
Sure, but I think it adds needless complexity.
GreenPrint said:
I also had a question about the notation
f(x) = x^2 + 3
can be written as
f: x |-> x^2 + 3

can I write vectors in this matter as well if instead
v = 4x^2 i + 3x j -2x k
as
v: x |-> 4x^2 i + 3x j - 2x k
This looks OK. Your notation is saying that v maps a number x to a vector-valued function.
GreenPrint said:
or something like
v: x |->
[ 4x |
| 3 | * x * I_3
| -2 ]
I don't see anything wrong with this, but it seems like overkill.
GreenPrint said:
I'm sort of confused by
f: x |-> and just want to make sure I'm applying it correctly and am wondering if I can use the identity matrix instead of the unit vectors?
 
  • #3
Can I write
v = 4i + 3j -2k
as v =
[ 4 |
| 3 |
| -2 ]
or this way
v = [ 4 3 -2]?

I believe this writing it like this would take less time. All you need is three numbers and two brackets [ ]. Writing it like this 4i + 3j -2k requires you write three numbers, three unit vectors, and any plus signs that might be needed. I'm just not sure that
v = [ 4 3 -2] = 4i + 3j -2k is true or maybe if it was a 3x1 matrix instead of a 1x3 this be true? If either of these are I rather would because it's less writing.
 
  • #4
I agree with you about the i, j, k notation taking more effort to write, and usually write vectors in this form: <4, 3, -2>. If they really need to be column vectors, you can add a T superscript (for transpose), like this: <4, 3, -2>T.
 
  • #5
Mark44 said:
I agree with you about the i, j, k notation taking more effort to write, and usually write vectors in this form: <4, 3, -2>. If they really need to be column vectors, you can add a T superscript (for transpose), like this: <4, 3, -2>T.

I hate the i, j, k mainly because my handwriting is terrible and I find i and k to be incredibly hard to write without making everything look messy

I also had a question about the notation
f(x) = x^2 + 3
can be written as
f: x |-> x^2 + 3

nono, it's symbol, domain, codomain, correspondance
[itex]f: \Re \rightarrow \Re ; x \rightarrow x^2+3[/itex]
the script R is both the doman and the codomain (R+, the positive reals is technically the codomain(technically the complex numbers is the domain and the codomain))
the x -> x^2 + 3 is the rule of correspondance

am wondering if I can use the identity matrix instead of the unit vectors?
if you really wanted to you could but there isn't really much point since you'd end up writing 6 extra zeros

Also you can write [itex]\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix}[/itex] as [itex]\begin{pmatrix} x & y & z\end{pmatrix}^T[/itex] or [itex]\begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \\ z \end{pmatrix}^T[/itex] as [itex]\begin{pmatrix} x & y & z\end{pmatrix}[/itex]
 

FAQ: A Question on Notation about Linear Algebra

What is linear algebra?

Linear algebra is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of linear equations, vector spaces, and linear transformations.

What is the significance of notation in linear algebra?

Notation in linear algebra is important because it allows for a concise and efficient way of expressing mathematical concepts and operations in a standardized manner.

What are the basic notations used in linear algebra?

Some of the basic notations used in linear algebra include vectors represented by lowercase letters (e.g. a, b, c), matrices represented by uppercase letters (e.g. A, B, C), and operations such as addition (+), subtraction (-), and multiplication (•).

How is notation used to solve problems in linear algebra?

Notation is used in linear algebra to represent and manipulate mathematical concepts and operations in order to solve problems, such as finding solutions to systems of linear equations or calculating determinants of matrices.

What are some common mistakes people make when using notation in linear algebra?

Some common mistakes people make when using notation in linear algebra include confusing the symbols for different operations (e.g. mistaking + for •), using incorrect notation for specific concepts (e.g. using a lowercase letter to represent a matrix), and not following the correct order of operations.

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