[Math] For what value of h the set is linearly dependent

linear algebra

For what value of $h$ set $(\vec v_1 \ \vec v_2 \ \vec v_3)$ is linearly dependent?
$$\vec v_1=\left[ \begin{array}{c} 1 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{array} \right];\ \vec v_2=\left[ \begin{array}{c} -3 \\ 9 \\ -6 \end{array} \right] ;\ \vec v_3=\left[ \begin{array}{c} 5 \\ -7 \\ h \end{array} \right]$$

Attempt: After row reducing the augmented matrix of $A\vec x=\vec 0$ where $A=(\vec v_1 \ \vec v_2 \ \vec v_3)$:

$$\begin{bmatrix} 1 & -3 & 5 & 0 \\ -3 & 9 & -7 & 0 \\ 2 & -6 & h & 0 \end{bmatrix} \sim \begin{bmatrix} 1 & -3 & 5 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 8 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & h-10 & 0 \end{bmatrix} $$

I am not sure whether the set is linearly dependent when $h=10$ or for any $h$. Help please.

Best Answer

That reduced matrix shows you that the set of vectors is linearly dependent for every value of $h$. If $h\ne 10$, the system has no solution, and if $h=10$, it has infinitely many, so there is no value of $h$ that gives it exactly one solution.

Indeed, you can see this directly from the vectors themselves: $v_2=-3v_1$.