Is a Nullspace Spanned by One Vector Possible?

In summary, a spanning vector space is a set of vectors that can create any other vector in that space through linear combinations. To determine if a set of vectors spans a vector space, every vector in the space must be writable as a linear combination of the spanning vectors. A set of vectors can only span one vector space, and a vector space can have an infinite number of spanning vectors. To find the spanning vectors for a given vector space, the Gaussian elimination method can be used to reduce an augmented matrix to its row echelon form.
  • #1
tandoorichicken
245
0
Is it possible for a nullspace to be spanned by only one vector? Does a statement like Nul A = Span{[itex]\vec{v}_1[/itex]} even have any meaning?
 
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  • #2
Why not?...
For example, what is the nullspace of:
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{ccc}
1 & 0 & 0\\
0 & 1 & 0\\
0 & 0 & 0\end{array}\right)[/tex]
 

Related to Is a Nullspace Spanned by One Vector Possible?

1. What is the definition of a spanning vector space?

A spanning vector space is a set of vectors that can be used to create any other vector in that space through linear combinations. In other words, any vector in the space can be written as a combination of the spanning vectors.

2. How do you know if a set of vectors spans a vector space?

A set of vectors spans a vector space if and only if every vector in the space can be written as a linear combination of the spanning vectors. This means that for any vector in the space, there exists a unique set of coefficients that can be multiplied with the spanning vectors to create that vector.

3. Can a set of vectors span more than one vector space?

No, a set of vectors can only span one vector space. This is because the set of vectors must be able to create any vector within that space through linear combinations. If the set of vectors were able to create vectors in multiple spaces, it would mean that those spaces are equivalent.

4. Is it possible for a vector space to have an infinite number of spanning vectors?

Yes, it is possible for a vector space to have an infinite number of spanning vectors. This is common in vector spaces with infinite dimensions, such as the space of all real numbers or the space of all polynomials.

5. How do you find the spanning vectors for a given vector space?

To find the spanning vectors for a given vector space, you can use the Gaussian elimination method. This involves creating an augmented matrix with the vectors as columns and then performing row operations to reduce the matrix to its row echelon form. The resulting vectors will be the spanning vectors for the vector space.

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