[Math] How to find a linear map given the image/kernel

linear algebra

How can I find a linear map $f: \mathbb R^3 \to \mathbb R^3 $ such that $$image(f)=\{(x_1,x_2,x_3)\in\mathbb R^3: 3x_1-2x_2+3x_3=0\}?$$

Not looking for a solution to this specific problem, but more of a general approach when having to find a linear map given the kernel or image. Thanks in advance.

Best Answer

You have a basis $(e_1,e_2,e_3)$ for $\mathbb{R}^3$. To find a linear map $f\in\mathcal{L}(\mathbb{R}^3)$ such that $\text{Im}f=S$ where $S$ is a subspace of $\mathbb{R}^3$, notice that $\text{Im}f=\text{span}(f(e_1),f(e_2),f(e_3))$. Notice also that $f$ is entirely determined if you know $f(e_1)$, $f(e_2)$ and $f(e_3)$. Hence simply find a basis for $S$ and try to choose $f(e_1)$, $f(e_2)$ and $f(e_3)$ in an appropriate way.