Chapter 3: Problem 2
Find the coordinate vector of the given vector relative to the indicated ordered basis. \([-2,4]\) in \(\mathbb{R}^{2}\) relative to \(\left([0,-2],\left[-\frac{1}{2}, 0\right]\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The coordinate vector is \([-2, 4]\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
You need to find the coordinate vector of \([-2, 4]\) in \(\mathbb{R}^2\) relative to the basis \(([0, -2], [-\frac{1}{2}, 0])\). This means expressing \([-2, 4]\) as a linear combination of the given basis vectors.
02
Set Up the Equation
Express \([-2, 4]\) as a linear combination \[c_1 \cdot [0, -2] + c_2 \cdot \left[-\frac{1}{2}, 0\right] = [-2, 4].\] Your goal is to find the coefficients \(c_1\) and \(c_2\) that satisfy this equation.
03
Solve for First Component
Focus on the first component of the vectors: \(-2 = c_1 \cdot 0 + c_2 \cdot \left(-\frac{1}{2}\right).\) Simplifying, this gives \[c_2 = 4.\]
04
Solve for Second Component
Now consider the second component: \4 = c_1 \cdot (-2) + c_2 \cdot 0.\ Substituting \(c_2 = 4\) from the previous step and simplifying, you get \[-2c_1 = 4.\] Solving for \(c_1\), you find \[c_1 = -2.\]
05
Write the Final Coordinate Vector
Conclude that the coordinate vector of \([-2, 4]\) relative to the given basis is \([-2, 4]\). This means that \([-2, 4]\) can be expressed as \(-2 \times [0, -2] + 4 \times \left[-\frac{1}{2}, 0\right].\)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Combination
In the world of vector spaces, linear combination is a foundational concept. When we say a vector is a linear combination of other vectors, we mean it can be expressed as a sum where each of the other vectors is multiplied by a specific coefficient. For the exercise, the vector \([-2, 4]\) is expressed in terms of basis vectors \([0, -2]\) and \([-\frac{1}{2}, 0]\). Here is how it works:
- The vector \([-2, 4]\) is expressed as \(c_1 \cdot [0, -2] + c_2 \cdot \left[-\frac{1}{2}, 0\right]\).
- Your task is to identify the coefficients \(c_1\) and \(c_2\) such that this equation holds true.
- These coefficients, \(c_1 = -2\) and \(c_2 = 4\), effectively create the correct linear combination.
Basis
A basis in a vector space gives us a way to describe every vector in that space. It is a set of vectors that are linearly independent and span the vector space. Let's break this down:
- **Linearly Independent**: No vector in the set can be expressed as a linear combination of the others. This feature ensures that each basis vector adds a unique dimension.
- **Span the Vector Space**: Any vector in the space can be expressed as a linear combination of the basis vectors.
- Our basis consisted of two vectors \([0, -2]\) and \([-\frac{1}{2}, 0]\).
- These vectors are linearly independent, meaning neither can be formed from the other by multiplication of a scalar.
- These basis vectors together span \(\mathbb{R}^2\), allowing any vector within \(\mathbb{R}^2\) to be expressed using a unique linear combination of this basis.
Vector Spaces
A vector space is a broader context in which vectors exist, and it consists of vectors that can be added together and multiplied by scalars. Key properties of vector spaces include:
- Vectors can be added together (Closure under addition).
- Vectors can be multiplied by numbers (Closure under scalar multiplication).
- It includes a zero vector, which acts like zero in addition.
- In \(\mathbb{R}^2\), vectors have two components (like \([-2, 4]\)).
- Vectors can interact under addition and scalar multiplication to form new vectors in the same space.
Mathematics Education
Understanding vectors and their properties is a critical area in mathematics education. When students learn about vectors, they develop analytical skills crucial for problem-solving. Here's why focusing on vectors is essential in education:
- **Abstract Thinking**: Understanding vector spaces helps students think abstractly and deal with complex mathematical concepts.
- **Real-World Applications**: Vectors apply to various real-world situations, including physics, engineering, and computer science.
- **Critical Thinking**: Solving vector-related problems enhances students' critical thinking abilities, as they must analyze relationships and formulate strategies to find solutions.
- **Foundation for Advanced Topics**: Mastering basic vector concepts lays the groundwork for exploring more advanced topics in mathematics such as linear algebra and calculus.