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• Determine the Dimension of a Mysterious Vector Space From Coordinate Vectors Let $V$ be a vector space and $B$ be a basis for $V$. Let $\mathbf{w}_1, \mathbf{w}_2, \mathbf{w}_3, \mathbf{w}_4, \mathbf{w}_5$ be vectors in $V$. Suppose that $A$ is the matrix whose columns are the coordinate vectors of $\mathbf{w}_1, \mathbf{w}_2, \mathbf{w}_3, […]
• True or False Quiz About a System of Linear Equations (Purdue University Linear Algebra Exam)   Which of the following statements are true? (a) A linear system of four equations in three unknowns is always inconsistent. (b) A linear system with fewer equations than unknowns must have infinitely many solutions. (c) […]
• If a Matrix $A$ is Singular, then Exists Nonzero $B$ such that $AB$ is the Zero Matrix Let $A$ be a $3\times 3$ singular matrix. Then show that there exists a nonzero $3\times 3$ matrix $B$ such that \[AB=O,\] where $O$ is the $3\times 3$ zero matrix.   Proof. Since $A$ is singular, the equation $A\mathbf{x}=\mathbf{0}$ has a nonzero […]
• Every Group of Order 24 Has a Normal Subgroup of Order 4 or 8 Prove that every group of order $24$ has a normal subgroup of order $4$ or $8$.   Proof. Let $G$ be a group of order $24$. Note that $24=2^3\cdot 3$. Let $P$ be a Sylow $2$-subgroup of $G$. Then $|P|=8$. Consider the action of the group $G$ on […]
• Matrix Representations for Linear Transformations of the Vector Space of Polynomials Let $P_2(\R)$ be the vector space over $\R$ consisting of all polynomials with real coefficients of degree $2$ or less. Let $B=\{1,x,x^2\}$ be a basis of the vector space $P_2(\R)$. For each linear transformation $T:P_2(\R) \to P_2(\R)$ defined below, find the matrix representation […]
• Every Prime Ideal of a Finite Commutative Ring is Maximal Let $R$ be a finite commutative ring with identity $1$. Prove that every prime ideal of $R$ is a maximal ideal of $R$. Proof. We give two proofs. The first proof uses a result of a previous problem. The second proof is self-contained. Proof 1. Let $I$ be a prime ideal […]
• A Matrix Similar to a Diagonalizable Matrix is Also Diagonalizable Let $A, B$ be matrices. Show that if $A$ is diagonalizable and if $B$ is similar to $A$, then $B$ is diagonalizable.   Definitions/Hint. Recall the relevant definitions. Two matrices $A$ and $B$ are similar if there exists a nonsingular (invertible) matrix $S$ such […]
• Find the Nullspace and Range of the Linear Transformation $T(f)(x) = f(x)-f(0)$ Let $C([-1, 1])$ denote the vector space of real-valued functions on the interval $[-1, 1]$. Define the vector subspace \[W = \{ f \in C([-1, 1]) \mid f(0) = 0 \}.\] Define the map $T : C([-1, 1]) \rightarrow W$ by $T(f)(x) = f(x) - f(0)$. Determine if $T$ is a linear map. If […]