Matrix of. Linear operator question

In summary, we are trying to find the matrix of the linear operator T which maps matrices A, M, and B from the standard basis of 2x2 matrices to the standard basis of 2x2 matrices. To find this matrix, we apply T to each basis vector and write the result as a linear combination of the basis vectors. The coefficients of this linear combination form the columns of the matrix, resulting in a 2x8 matrix. This problem is listed in the problem section of one of the chapters in Artin's book on Abstract Algebra.
  • #1
frowdow
4
0
I am trying to figure out what the matrix of this linear operator would be:
T:M →AMB where A, M, B are all 2X2 matrices with respect to the standard bases of a 2x2 matrix viz. e11, e12 e21 and e22. Any ideas? Il know it should be 2X8 matrix. I am trying to teach myself Abstract algebra using Artin's book and this is listed in the problem section in one of the chapters.

Thanks,
Frowdow
 
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  • #2
Hey frowdow and welcome to the forums.

Just to clarify what are the domain and range (or codomain) of the actual mappings?
 
  • #3
What are the images of the standard basis elements under T?
 
  • #4
In general, one can find the matrix representing a given linear transformation, in a given basis, by applying the linear transformation to each basis "vector" in turn, writing the result as a linear combination of the basis vectors. The coefficients of the linear combination form the columns of the matrix.

[tex]e_{11}= \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
If, say,
[tex]A= \begin{bmatrix}a_{11} & a_{12} \\ a_{21} & a_{22}\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
and
[tex]B= \begin{bmatrix}b_{11} & b_{12} \\ b_{21} & b_{22}\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
then
[tex]Ae_{11}B= \begin{bmatrix}a_{11} & a_{12} \\ a_{21} & a_{22}\end{bmatrix} \begin{bmatrix}1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}b_{11} & b_{12} \\ b_{21} & b_{22}\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
[tex]= \begin{bmatrix}a_{11} & 0 \\ a_{21} & 0\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}b_{11} & b_{12} \\ b_{21} & b_{22}\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}a_{11}b_{11} & a_{11}b_{21} \\ a_{21}b_{12} & a_{21}b_{22}\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
[tex]= a_{11}b_{11}e_{11}+ a_{11}b_{21}e_{12}+ a_{21}b{21}e_{21}+ a_{21}b_{22}e_{22}[/tex]
so the first 'column' consists of those four matrices. That is, the matrix is 2 by 2 but each entry is a 2 by 2 matrix so, expanded, it has 4 rows and 4 columns.
 

Related to Matrix of. Linear operator question

1. What is a matrix of a linear operator?

A matrix of a linear operator is a representation of a linear transformation from one vector space to another. It is a rectangular array of numbers that is used to perform operations on vectors in the vector space.

2. How is a matrix of a linear operator different from a regular matrix?

A matrix of a linear operator is different from a regular matrix in that it represents a specific type of transformation, whereas a regular matrix can represent any type of mathematical operation. A matrix of a linear operator is also typically square, while a regular matrix can be any size.

3. How is a matrix of a linear operator used in linear algebra?

In linear algebra, a matrix of a linear operator is used to represent and perform calculations involving linear transformations. It allows for the efficient manipulation and analysis of linear transformations, which are fundamental concepts in linear algebra.

4. Can a matrix of a linear operator be inverted?

Yes, a matrix of a linear operator can be inverted, but only if it is a square matrix and the linear operator is invertible. The inverse of a matrix of a linear operator represents the inverse transformation, which undoes the original transformation.

5. How do I find the matrix of a linear operator?

The process for finding the matrix of a linear operator depends on the specific linear transformation being represented. In general, it involves choosing a basis for the vector spaces involved, applying the linear operator to each basis vector, and recording the resulting coordinates. These coordinates form the columns of the matrix of the linear operator.

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