Proving linearly independent set

In summary, linear independence means that the only solution is the trivial solution. This can be applied to the set {A,B} where A is symmetric and B is skew-symmetric. Taking the transpose of these matrices also leads to the same conclusion. Therefore, {A,B} is a linearly independent set.
  • #1
physics=world
110
0
1. Prove that if A is symmetric and B is skew-symmetric, then {A,B} is a linearly independent set.

I am going to need some help to solve this. Not sure how to begin.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
physics=world said:
1. Prove that if A is symmetric and B is skew-symmetric, then {A,B} is a linearly independent set.

I am going to need some help to solve this. Not sure how to begin.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Try stating the definition of what linear independence means applied to {A,B}. What happens if you take a transpose?
 
  • #3
in short the definition leads to the solution only being the trivial solution.
 
  • #4
physics=world said:
in short the definition leads to the solution only being the trivial solution.

I would hope so. That's what linear independence means, if I'm deciphering your response correctly.
 

Related to Proving linearly independent set

1. What does it mean for a set to be linearly independent?

A set is linearly independent if none of its elements can be written as a linear combination of the other elements in the set. In other words, there is no way to express one element in the set as a combination of the others using multiplication and addition.

2. How do you prove that a set is linearly independent?

To prove that a set is linearly independent, you must show that the only solution to the equation c1v1 + c2v2 + ... + cnvn = 0, where c1, c2, ..., cn are constants and v1, v2, ..., vn are the elements in the set, is when all the constants are equal to 0.

3. What is the difference between linear independence and linear dependence?

A set is linearly dependent if at least one of its elements can be written as a linear combination of the other elements in the set. This means that there are multiple ways to express the same element using multiplication and addition. Linear independence, on the other hand, means that there is only one way to express each element in the set.

4. Can a set be both linearly independent and linearly dependent?

No, a set cannot be both linearly independent and linearly dependent. It is either one or the other. If a set is linearly dependent, it is not linearly independent, and vice versa.

5. Why is proving linear independence important in mathematics?

Proving linear independence is important because it allows us to determine the number of independent variables in a system, which is crucial in solving equations and understanding the relationships between different quantities. It is also a fundamental concept in linear algebra and plays a central role in many applications, such as data analysis and optimization problems.

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