Linear Algebra Assignment 1

February 2, 2022

Q1. If A is invertible, then the system of linear equations Ax = b has a

unique solution x = A−1 b. Consider a non-invertible square matrix C and the
homogeneous system corresponding to this matrix Cx = 0. What conclusion can
you draw about the solution set of this system? Explain. (is it unique/infinitely
many?)
Q2. Let S = {v1 , v2 , ...vn } be a linearly independent set and let b ∈ Span(S).
Suppose we can write b as a linear combination of these vectors in two ways,
b = c1 v1 + c2 v2 + ...cn vn and b = d1 v1 + d2 v2 + ...dn vn , then show that ci = di
for 1 ≤ i ≤ n.
Q3. Use the above question to answer this question.
Suppose columns of A are linearly independent and we know that Ax = b is
consistent for some b. What can you conclude about the solution set of this
system? Explain. (is it unique/infinitely many?)
Q4. Let β = {v1 , v2 , ..., vn } be a linearly independent subset of Rn for some
n ≥ 2. Further, suppose we have that Span(β) = Rn . Consider the following
sets:
(a) A = β ∪ {z} where z ∈ / β and z ∈ Rn
(b) B = β \ {v1 }.
Now, answer the following with proper justification:
(i) Are A and B linearly independent?
(ii) Is Span(A) = Rn ?
(iii) Is Span(B) = Rn ?
Q5. Let {u, v, w} be a subset of distinct vectors in Rn for some n ≥ 2. Prove
that {u, v, w} is linearly independent if and only if the set {u + v, v + w, u + w}
is linearly independent.
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Q6. Suppose that E2×3 and E2×3 are row-reduced echelon forms of a matrix
A for the system Ax = 0.
(i) Do Ex = 0 and E ′ x = 0 have the same solutions?
(ii) Can we say that E = E ′ ? Prove your answer directly, without quoting
any theorem.