Chapter 4: Problem 62
Show that if \(A\) is an \(m \times n\) matrix, then \(\operatorname{ker}(A)\) is a subspace of \(\mathbb{R}^{n} .\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The kernel of matrix A is a subspace of \( \textbf{R}^{n} \) because it contains the zero vector and is closed under addition and scalar multiplication.
Step by step solution
01
- Define the Kernel of Matrix
The kernel of a matrix A, denoted as \(\text{ker}(A)\), is the set of all vectors \(\textbf{v} \) in \(\textbf{R}^{n} \) such that \(\text{A}\textbf{v} = \textbf{0}\).
02
- Check Zero Vector
A subspace must contain the zero vector. Check that the zero vector \( \textbf{0} \) belongs to \( \text{ker}(A) \): \(\text{A}\textbf{0} = \textbf{0} \). Thus, \( \textbf{0} \) is in the kernel.
03
- Check Closure Under Addition
To verify that \( \text{ker}(A) \) is closed under addition, take any two vectors \( \textbf{v}_1 \) and \( \textbf{v}_2 \) in \( \text{ker}(A) \). Show \( \text{A}(\textbf{v}_1 + \textbf{v}_2) = \text{A}\textbf{v}_1 + \text{A}\textbf{v}_2 = \textbf{0} + \textbf{0} = \textbf{0} \). Therefore, the sum \( \textbf{v}_1 + \textbf{v}_2 \) is in the kernel.
04
- Check Closure Under Scalar Multiplication
Check if \( \text{ker}(A) \) is closed under scalar multiplication. Take any vector \( \textbf{v} \) in \( \text{ker}(A) \) and any scalar \( c \). Show \( \text{A}(c\textbf{v}) = c\text{A}\textbf{v} = c\textbf{0} = \textbf{0} \). Hence, \( c\textbf{v} \) is in the kernel.
05
- Conclude
Since \( \text{ker}(A) \) contains the zero vector, is closed under addition, and is closed under scalar multiplication, it satisfies the conditions to be a subspace of \( \textbf{R}^{n} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
subspace
A subspace is a set of vectors that follows certain rules within a larger vector space. Specifically, it needs to satisfy three main conditions: it must include the zero vector, be closed under addition, and be closed under scalar multiplication.
When we check if a set is a subspace, we are ensuring that it behaves nicely under these basic operations. This ensures any operation within this set does not lead us outside of it.
When we check if a set is a subspace, we are ensuring that it behaves nicely under these basic operations. This ensures any operation within this set does not lead us outside of it.
linear transformation
A linear transformation is a function between vector spaces that preserves the operations of vector addition and scalar multiplication. This means if you apply the function to a combination of vectors, you can instead combine the results of applying the function to each vector individually and get the same output.
In mathematical terms, for a function T, this means:
In mathematical terms, for a function T, this means:
- T(a + b) = T(a) + T(b) for vectors a and b
- T(ca) = cT(a) for any scalar c and vector a
zero vector
The zero vector is the unique vector in any vector space that has all components equal to zero. For an n-dimensional vector space, the zero vector is written as \( \textbf{0} = [0, 0, ..., 0] \).
The zero vector is crucial in defining a subspace because it needs to be part of any subspace by definition. Without the zero vector, the set cannot be considered a subspace.
The zero vector is crucial in defining a subspace because it needs to be part of any subspace by definition. Without the zero vector, the set cannot be considered a subspace.
closure under addition
Closure under addition is a property that says if you take any two vectors in a set, their sum must also be in that same set. This is key to ensuring the set of vectors acts like a subspace.
For instance, if vectors \textbf{u}\ and \textbf{v}\ are in the kernel of a matrix A, the sum \textbf{u} + \textbf{v}\ must also be in the kernel. So, \(A(\textbf{u} + \textbf{v}) = \textbf{0}\), meaning that the kernel is closed under addition.
For instance, if vectors \textbf{u}\ and \textbf{v}\ are in the kernel of a matrix A, the sum \textbf{u} + \textbf{v}\ must also be in the kernel. So, \(A(\textbf{u} + \textbf{v}) = \textbf{0}\), meaning that the kernel is closed under addition.
closure under scalar multiplication
Closure under scalar multiplication ensures that if you multiply a vector in a set by any scalar, the resulting vector will still be in that set. This is essential for confirming something is a subspace.
For example, if \textbf{v}\ is in the kernel of matrix A, and c is any scalar, then c \textbf{v}\ must also be in the kernel. In mathematical terms, \(A(c\textbf{v}) = cA(\textbf{v}) = \textbf{0}\). This demonstrates that the kernel remains closed under scalar multiplication, fulfilling another criterion for being a subspace.
For example, if \textbf{v}\ is in the kernel of matrix A, and c is any scalar, then c \textbf{v}\ must also be in the kernel. In mathematical terms, \(A(c\textbf{v}) = cA(\textbf{v}) = \textbf{0}\). This demonstrates that the kernel remains closed under scalar multiplication, fulfilling another criterion for being a subspace.