Math Problem Statement

. Let A =   2 4 3 9 6 3 −1 3 4 1 1 1  

2 points) Is it possible to find a nonzero vector v 6= 0 such that Ax = v is consistent, and v is in the nullspace of AT ? If it is, provide an example. Otherwise, explain why not.

Solution

Let's break down the problem step-by-step:

We are given matrix AA and need to determine whether there exists a nonzero vector vv such that:

  1. The equation Ax=vA \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v} is consistent (meaning it has at least one solution for x\mathbf{x}).
  2. v\mathbf{v} is in the nullspace of ATA^T, meaning ATv=0A^T \mathbf{v} = 0.

Step 1: Understanding the nullspace of ATA^T

The nullspace of ATA^T consists of all vectors v\mathbf{v} such that: ATv=0A^T \mathbf{v} = 0 This means that if v\mathbf{v} is in the nullspace of ATA^T, multiplying ATA^T by v\mathbf{v} will yield the zero vector.

Step 2: Check the consistency of Ax=vA \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v}

For Ax=vA \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v} to be consistent, the vector v\mathbf{v} must lie within the column space of AA. That is, v\mathbf{v} must be a linear combination of the columns of AA. If v\mathbf{v} does not lie in the column space of AA, then the system will be inconsistent.

Step 3: Compatibility of vv in both conditions

The main issue is that for Ax=vA \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v} to have a solution, v\mathbf{v} must be in the column space of AA, while for v\mathbf{v} to be in the nullspace of ATA^T, it must satisfy ATv=0A^T \mathbf{v} = 0. Generally, these two spaces—the column space of AA and the nullspace of ATA^T—are orthogonal complements of each other.

This implies that no nonzero vector v\mathbf{v} can simultaneously satisfy both conditions, because the column space of AA and the nullspace of ATA^T do not overlap except at the zero vector.

Conclusion:

No nonzero vector v\mathbf{v} can satisfy both conditions. Therefore, it is not possible to find a nonzero vector v0\mathbf{v} \neq 0 such that Ax=vA \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v} is consistent and v\mathbf{v} is in the nullspace of ATA^T.

Would you like me to dive deeper into the calculation of the nullspace or column space for this matrix?


Related Questions:

  1. How is the nullspace of a matrix computed?
  2. Can you explain the relationship between the nullspace of ATA^T and the column space of AA?
  3. What are the steps to determine if a system of linear equations is consistent?
  4. How can we find the rank of a matrix and what does it tell us about the solution space?
  5. What is the significance of the orthogonal complement in linear algebra?

Tip:

When solving systems of linear equations, always check the dimensions of the column space and null space. They can provide quick insight into whether the system is consistent or has unique or infinite solutions.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
Matrix Equations
Nullspace
Column Space
Consistency of Linear Systems

Formulas

A * x = v
A^T * v = 0

Theorems

Fundamental Theorem of Linear Algebra: The column space and nullspace are orthogonal complements.
Rank-Nullity Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate Level (Linear Algebra)