- #1
b2386
- 35
- 0
Hi all,
While working on my differential equations homework, I encountered a proof dealing with linear independence and vector addition. I sort of know how to proceed but, not having dealt with formal proofs much, I am afraid that I may not be addressing all necessary apects of the proof. Anyway, here is the question: Prove that if the vectors x = (x_1)i + (x_2)j and y = (y_1)i + (y_2)j
are linearly independent, then any vector z = (z_1)i + (z_2)j can be expressed as a linear combination of x and y.
The linear combination of x and y gives us (x_1)i + (x_2)j + (y_1)i + (y_2)j. Rearranging terms, [(x_1)+(y_1)]i + [(x_2)+(y_2)]j = x+y. We can now define x+y = z. Therefore, z = (z_1)i + (z_2)j
Where do I bring in the necessity of linear independence?
While working on my differential equations homework, I encountered a proof dealing with linear independence and vector addition. I sort of know how to proceed but, not having dealt with formal proofs much, I am afraid that I may not be addressing all necessary apects of the proof. Anyway, here is the question: Prove that if the vectors x = (x_1)i + (x_2)j and y = (y_1)i + (y_2)j
are linearly independent, then any vector z = (z_1)i + (z_2)j can be expressed as a linear combination of x and y.
The linear combination of x and y gives us (x_1)i + (x_2)j + (y_1)i + (y_2)j. Rearranging terms, [(x_1)+(y_1)]i + [(x_2)+(y_2)]j = x+y. We can now define x+y = z. Therefore, z = (z_1)i + (z_2)j
Where do I bring in the necessity of linear independence?