How can I determine if a set of vectors forms a subspace?

In summary, The question is about finding the meaning of VecR(A, B, C) and how to solve for the matrix with entries a b c d using the spanning set e*A + f*B + g*C. The notation may not be found in traditional linear algebra textbooks, but it is equivalent to a spanning set. The solution will result in a proportionality between the four elements of the matrix.
  • #1
phy
Hi guys. I need some help with question #5 from my assignment. If someone can just tell me how to get the question started, it would be great. Thanks :smile:

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  • #2
If A, B and C generate U then e*A +f*B + g*C generates every element in U (in this case that a b c d matrix). Of course you know this already seeing as you did the rest of those. What does VecR(A, B, C) mean? No linear alg. book I've ever worked with uses that notation.
 
  • #3
I'm not 100% sure on this either but somebody who I spoke to said that VecR(A, B, C) is just a spanning set. I couldn't find it in my textbook either.

So would I just set e*A +f*B + g*C equal to the matrix with entries a b c d and then solve?
 
  • #4
phy said:
I'm not 100% sure on this either but somebody who I spoke to said that VecR(A, B, C) is just a spanning set. I couldn't find it in my textbook either.

So would I just set e*A +f*B + g*C equal to the matrix with entries a b c d and then solve?

Ok that's what I figured. Yeah and you should get some sort of proportionality between the four and not a numerical answer once you solve it out.
 
  • #5
Alrightie I'll do that. Thanks a lot =)
 

FAQ: How can I determine if a set of vectors forms a subspace?

What is a vector subspace?

A vector subspace is a subset of a vector space that is closed under addition and scalar multiplication. This means that any two vectors in the subspace can be added together and the result will also be in the subspace, and any vector in the subspace multiplied by a scalar will still be in the subspace.

How do you determine if a set is a vector subspace?

To determine if a set is a vector subspace, you need to check if it satisfies the two conditions of closure under addition and scalar multiplication. This can be done by checking if the set contains the zero vector, and if the set is closed under addition and scalar multiplication.

What is the difference between a vector subspace and a vector space?

A vector subspace is a subset of a vector space, while a vector space is a set of vectors that satisfy certain axioms and properties. A vector space contains all possible combinations of vectors, while a vector subspace is a smaller subset of these combinations.

Can a vector subspace contain only one vector?

Yes, a vector subspace can contain only one vector. This is because the zero vector is always included in a vector subspace, and any scalar multiple of the zero vector is still the zero vector. Therefore, a set containing only the zero vector satisfies the conditions of closure under addition and scalar multiplication and is considered a vector subspace.

How are vector subspaces used in real world applications?

Vector subspaces are used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer science to model and analyze systems that involve multiple variables. They also play a crucial role in linear algebra, which is a fundamental tool in many scientific and technological areas.

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