[Math] Find the transformation matrix that has kernel the span of two vectors

linear algebratransformation

Find a linear map $T : R^4\to R^3$ whose kernel is generated by $v=(1, 2, 3, 4)$, $w=(0, 1, 0, 1)$

This question has been answered but I don't understand the workings. In particular I don't understand why they multiply the matrix with respect to the basis $B$ with the inverse of the matrix $M$

Here is the link:
http://www.math.mcgill.ca/goren/MATH251.2006/Sol3.pdf

Excericse 2 part (b)

If anyone could explain!
Thanks!

Best Answer

There are lots of ways to do this. Here's one way.

Let \begin{align*} \vec v_1 &= (1,2,3,4) & \vec v_2&=(0,1,0,1) \end{align*} Our strategy will be to first extend $\{\vec v_1,\vec v_2\}$ to a basis $\{\vec v_1,\vec v_2,\vec v_3,\vec v_4\}$ of $\Bbb R^4$. Once we have done this, we can define $T:\Bbb R^4\to\Bbb R^3$ by $$ T(\vec v_k) = \begin{cases} \vec 0 & k=1,2 \\ \vec u & k=3 \\ \vec v & k=4 \end{cases} $$ where $\vec u,\vec v\in\Bbb R^3$ are arbitrary nonzero vectors. Of course by "define $T$" we mean to define $T$ on the basis $\{\vec v_1,\vec v_2,\vec v_3,\vec v_4\}$ and extend linearly.

One of the advantages to using this strategy is we avoid matrices and get practice in working with linear maps.

Is this enough to get you started or is this confusing?