II LINEAR COMBINATION OF VECTORS

You have come across the fact that any element of R3 could be written as ai + bj + ck where
u. b. (E R .
Further, let A, B. C be non - collinear points in R3 whose position vectors are a, b, c
respe(tively. Then from geometry of R3, you know that the three points A, B, C determine a unique
plane. The vector equation of the plane determined by A, B, C is
r = a + a (b - a) + P(c - a), where a, p E R.
= (1 - a - P) a + ab+ pc
In this chapter, we will generalize this concept.
Definitio n:
Let V be a vector space and S be a non empty subset of V.
A vector v E V is called linear combination of S, then there exists a finite number of
vectors UJ' u 2, ... , Un E S and scalars al' a2, ... , an E f such that
v = a 1u1 + a 2 U 2 + ... + anUn
In this case, we can say that v is a linear combination of ul' u , ••• , un with coefficients
2
U J,U2, ... ,a n.

We will come across many situations in which it is necessary to determine whether or not
a vector can be expressed as a linear combination of other vectors and if so, bow is it possible ?
It requires to solve a system of linear equation after the problem has been reduced.
Let us examine whether the vector (4, 11, 13, 22) can be expressed as a linear combination
of
u1 = (1, 1, 2, 2), u2 = (2, 3, 5, 6) and u3 = (-3, 1, -4, 2)
(

Hence, we have to determine the scalars a , a , a and a such that

1 2 3 4
(4, 11 , 13, 22) = a (1, 1, 2, 2) + a/2, 3, 5, 6) + a (-3, 1, -4, 2)
1 3
= (a 1 + 2a2 - 3a3, a 1 + 3a2 + a 3, 2a 1 + 5a2 - 4a3, 2a 1 + 6°"2 + 2a.)
So, (4, 11 , 13, 22) can be expressed as a linear combination of u , u and u if and only if
1 2 3
.
there exists scalars a I'
a 2
and a 3
satisfying the system of linear equations
 a, + 2a 2 - 3a:i == 4
a, + 3a2 + aJ == I I
... (1)
2v., + 5a 2 - 4a1. == I3
N

2a + 6a~+ 2a3 == 22
1

• · t · d by equat.·mg tl,e corresponding coordinates in the preceed·

which is o 1ta me . b other system with the same solution, but ea tng e
. 9Uation .
T I ( I) e replac e it y an
o so ve . w . . 1· ante a from every equation except the first· s1er to Solve.
For this our first step 1s to e 1111 1
•
Applyino0
the opera tions .
.
2nd equation ➔ - (
1) first equation + secon d equat ion,
. .
.
3rd equation ➔ - ( 2) (first equat ion) + thtrd equation
.
4th equat1.0n ➔ (-2 ) ftir st equa ti·on + 4th equation

a I +2a,,- -3a, =4 J

a?- +4a,J = 7
a?+
-
2a,J = 5 ... (2)
2a, + 8a, = 14
- J

In the second step, we have to eliminate a from every equation excep

2 t fust and scond :
We apply the operation
3rd equation-➔ second equation - third equation,
4th equation ➔ (-2) second equation+ fourth equation

a, + 2a 2 - 3a3 = 4
a,, + 4a, = 7
- J

2a3 =2
... (3)
Oa3 =0
Hence the reduced system is

a 1 + 2a 2 - 3a3 = 4)
a 2 +4a3 = 7
2a3 = 2 ... (4)

This system is consistent since tli . .

'
Also there are three equations in. tie1e. ts no equati on f tI1e form O = k
°
. 11 ee unknown
with k -:t 0.
the th1rd equat1.0n of system
.
(4), a, == l. s, so t 11e syste m has a unique solut1·0n. 8\.
J

Substituing a 3 = 1 into second equatio f

. h fi
an d a3 = 1 m t e trst equat1.0n, we find a, ==nl.o system (4) • we get a = 3 and subst . .
2 itumg a~-- ·1
vector Spaces and Subspaces m
Rewriting the system (4), we have
a 1 = - 2a2 + 3a3 + 4
a2 = -4a3 + 7
2a3 = 2
Thus for any choice of scalar a 4, a vector of the form
(- 2a2 + 3a3 + 4, - 4a3 + 7, a) is a solution to the sytem (1).
Setting a 4 = 0, the vector obtained (1, 3, 1, 0) a solution to (1 ).
Therefore, (4, 11 , 13, 22) = 1uI + 3u2 + Iu3,
so that
(4, 1I, 13, 22) is a linear combination of uI' u2 and u3·
Thus, we require the following three steps to simplify the original system:
Step- 1:
Interchanging the order of any two equations in the system.
Step - 2:
Multiplying any equation in the original system by a non-zero scalar.
Step-3
Adding a constant multiple of any equation in the original system.
Note that these operations has no effect to the solution of the original system.
The reduction of original system.
The following properties can be employed to simplify the original system:
1. The first non-zero coefficient in each equation is unity (=1).
2. The first unknown with a nonzero coefficient in any equation should not occur with a nonzero
coefficient in other equations.
pt
3. The first unknown with a nonzero coefficient in any equation must have larger subscri
than the first unknown with a non zero coefficient in any preceeding equation.
being a
Note: If in the reduction process , a system contains an equation of the form 0 = k (k,
nonzero constant) is obtained, then the original system has no solution.
Example - 1: Solve the followin_g system of linear equations :
(a) x 1 + 2x 2 - x 3 + x 4 = 5
x 1 + 4x2 - 3x3 - 3x4 = 6
2x 1 + 3x2 - x 3 + 4x4 = 8
(b) 2x 1 - 2x2 - 3x 3 = -2
3x 1 - 3x2 - 2x3 + 5x4 = 7
x - x 1 - 2x3 -x=-
. I 4 3
 Intr oduction to Line ar Algeb,-Q
Solution: ---...:,
(a) We denote the first, second and third equation by L L and
I' 2
L3 respectively in each systeTh
•• ,.
X1 +2x2-X3 +x4 =5(L1) )
x1 +4x2-3~ -3x =6(L )
4 2
... (1 )
2x1 +3x2 -x3 +4x4 =8(L )
3
To solve system (1 ), we apply the operations:
L2 ➔ (-1) LI+ L2,
L3 ➔ (-2) L2+ L .
3
The new system is

X2+2x2 -X3 +x4 =5)

2x2 -2x3 -4x4 = I
... (2)
-5x2 + 5x3 + IOx4 = -4

Now we apply the operations L ➔ I L to system (2)

2
2 2
I
[i.e., multiplying second equation by ]
2
We obtain

x1 +2x2 -x3 +x4 =5

X -X -2X =-
I
2 3 4 2
... (3)
-5x2 +5x3 +IOx4 =-4

Interchanging the order of second and third equation in syste

m (3):

X1 + 2x2 - x3 + X 4 = 5
-5x2 +5x3 + IOx4 = -4
I ... (4)
=
2

Again we apply the operation L

~
➔ !5 L2 + L3"·
We obtain the system

X1 + 2x2 - X3 + X 4 = 5
- 5x2 + 5x3 + 10x4 = -4
-3 ...(5)
0= -
10
vector Spac es and Subs pace s
- m
In system (5), the equation, 0 == -3
10

..
i.e., 0x1 + 0x2 + Ox3 + Ox4 = -3 , sho ws tht the ongm h . .
1
10 a system as no solution (mconsistent)

2x1 - 2x2 - 3x3 = -2 )

3x1- 3x2 - 2x3 + 5x4 = 7
(b) ... (6)
x1- x2 - 2x3 - x 4 = -3

Interchanging the order of first and thrr·d equat·10n:

x1- x2 -2x3 -x4 = -3)

2x1 -2x2 -3x3 = -2
... (7)
3x1- 3x2 - 2x3 + 5x4 = 7

Applying L2 ➔ (-2) L I + L2
L3 ➔ (-3) LI + L3
the new system is

x 1 - x 2 - 2x3 - x 4 = -3 )·:
X3 +2x4 =4
... (8)
4x3 +8x4 = 16
Now applying L3 ➔ (--4) L2 + L3,
we obtain
x 1 -x2 -2x3 -x4 = -3)
X 3 + 2x4 = 4
... (9)
0 =0
This system is consistent since there is no equation of the form O
= k (k =t- O)
Further there are more unknowns than equations:
Hence we find the general solution of the system as follows:
Let the free variables be assigned arbitrary values x2 =ran d x4 =
s.
n
Substituting x = s into the second equation of system (4), we obtai
4
X3 =4- 2s
Putting x2 = r ' x 3 = 4 - 2s and x 4 = s into first equation, we have
x 1 = r + 8 - 4s + s - 3
1.e., x I = r - 3s + 5
Thus, the general solution of the system is
x , =r- 3s+ 5,x? =r, x3 =4- 2san d x4 =s.
i.e.,( x x t x)= {r-(I I 0, 0)+s (-3, 0,-2 , 1)+(-5,0, 4,0)
' :r, s ER}
I' 2' · 3' 4 ' '
~ffl~t~l::,____ ___ ___ ___ ___ __In_t_ro_d_u_c_n_·o_n _t.:_o.=LinearA.l
3 d
Yeb
.
Example - 2: For each of the followin . . h ro,
g vectors m R , etermme w ether the first ve .
expressed as a linear combination of the other two: ctor can he
(a) (- 2, 0, 3), (I, 3, 0), (2, 4, - 1)
(b) (3,4,1),(1, - 2, l),(- 2, - I, I)
(c) (- 2, 2, 2), (I. 2, - 1), (- 3, - 3, 3)
Solution:
(a) Let v =au + au where a a E R, where v = (- 2, 0, 3), u1 = Cl , 3, 0) u _ (
I I 2 2 I' 2 ' 2- 2 4
i.e., (- 2, 0, 3) = a ( l , 3, 0) + a (2, 4, - 1) ' ' -I)
1 2
= (a 1 + 2a2 , 3a 1 + 4a2, - a2)
Here (-2, o, 3) can be expressed as a linear combination of u1 and u if and onl ·t·
.
1s an ordered patr. (a , a ) of scalars sat1s
2
. fy. h f 1·
1 2
mg t e system o mear equations Yi there
a1 + 7 =2a -2]
3a1 + 4a2 = 0 ... (1)
-a2 =3
Solving system (1 ), we obtain
a1 = 4, a2 =-3
Therefore, (-2, 0, 3) = 4(1, 3, 0) + (-3) (2, 4, -1)
so that, (-2, 0, 3) is a linear combination of (i , 3, 0) and (2, 4, -1)
(b) Let v= a1u 1 + a u , where al' a ER
2 2 2
i.e., (3, 4, 1) = a/1 , -2, 1) + a/-2, -1, 1)
= (a 1 -2a2, - 2a 1 - a2, a 1 + a )

a1 -2a2 =3
-2a1 -a2 =4
a1 + a2 = I
i ... (2)
2
Now to examine whether there exists scalars a , a such that
1 2

Now applying second equation +2 (first equation) and 3 d 1· ( .

we have .
r equa ion + -1) first equation
'

... (3)

a, -2a2 = 3
a2 =-2
⇒
2 ... (4)
a2 =--
3
The system (4), has no solution s1·nce h
'
Hence (3, 4, 1) cann't be express a as tw 0 d'ffi
ed a 2 . 1
erent values.
(- 2' - 1' 1) · s a 1mear comb· ·
matt on of the vectors ( 1, -2, 1) and
 vector Spaces and Subspaces
-1111 m
Span of a set
We have seen how to form the set of linear combinations of some set of vectors. We denote
such a set of linear combination as span of a set.
Definition:
Let S be a nonempty. subset of a vector spa ce V. The span of S is the set consisting of all
linear comhinations of the vectors in S.
The span of S is denoted by span (S) or L(S) or [S] .
Thus.
[SJ ::: {a 1u 1+a2u2+... + a,,u a,, a 2 , •••• a,, are scalars, n is any positive integer
11
:

and u 1, u2 , ••. , u,, ES} .

Consider the following examples :
* Span (~) = {0} .
* Suppose Sc R 2 and S = {(1, 0), (0, l )}
Then,
[S] ={a,(1 , 0) + a/0 , 1): a,, a2 ER}= {(a 1, a 2): a, , a2 ER}
Span (S) is the whole ofR2• Thus {( l , 0), (0, 1)} generates R2•
* Suppose Sc R3 ,
S = {(2, -2, O)}
Then,
[SJ ={a(2 , -2, 0): a ER}= {(2a, - 2a, 0): a ER}
= {(b, - b, 0): b = 2a ER}
3
* Suppose Sc R and S = {(l, 0, 0), (0, 1, O)}.
Then,
[SJ ={a(l , 0, 0) + b(0, 1, 0): a, b ER}= {(a, b, 0): a, b ER}
3
i.e., Span (S) contains all the points in xy - plane and it is a subspace of R •
In this case [SJ can also be written as [(1 , 0, 0), (0, 1, O)] or span of {(1, 0. 0), (0, 1, 0)}.
We shall prove that span of S is a subspace of R3 in the following theorem:
Theorem - 1.6 : The span of any subset S of a vectorspace Vis a subspace of V. Further. any
subspace ofV that contains S must also contain the span of S.
Proof: If S = ~ ' then [S] = { 0} , which is a subspace that is contained in any subs pee of V.
If S -:t ~' then S contain a vector v.
So, Ov = 0 E [S]
Now, we have to prove that [SJ is closed under addition and scalar multiplication.
Let x, y E [S] .
Then
x = a 1u 1 + a 2u2 + ... + a u , for some scalars a., some 11 . ·s E S and a positive integer n.
II II I I

andy == b1v 1 + b2 v2 + ... + b v , for some scalars b., some v. ·s E S and a positive integer m.
Ill Ill I I

.
Then, x + y = a Iu I + a2u2 + ... + a u11 + bI v I + b2v2 + ... + b111 v111 . whch is a finite linear
11

comb mati on of the vectors in S.

 Introduction to Linear Algebra.
So, x + y E [S] ----=:.
For any scalar a,
. ax = (aa1 ) u1 + (aa2)u2+ ... + (aa,) un,
which is clearly a linear combiation of the vectors in S.
So, ax E [S].
Hence [S] is a subspace of V, which proves the first part.
For the second part, let T denote any subspace ofV that contains S.
. T
If t E [S] ' then t = ct
I I
+ct
2 2
+ ••• +ctk k' for some vectors t1, 12,···, 1* m
and some scalars cl' c2, ••• , c*.
As Tis a subspace and t. ET Vi,I

c 111 + c/2 + ... + c/1r. E T i.e., t E T

We have proved that t E [S] ⇒ t E T
Hence [S] c T
This completes the proof of the theorem.
Corollary:
lf Sis a subspace ofV, then [S] = S.
Proof: Since S is a subspace containing S, by Theorem 1.6, we have [S] c S.
But Sc [S]
Therefore, [S] = S.
Tbeorem-1 .7: IfS 1and S2 are subsets ofa vector space V such that S c S , then
1 2
span (S 1) c span (Si)
Moreover, ifS 1 c S2 and
span {S 1) = V, then span (Si)= V.
Proof : Given S I c S2
Let x E span (S 1)
⇒ x= a 1U1 + a2U2 + ... + anUn,
for ul' u2, ... , Un E SI and al, a2, ... , an being scalars.
⇒ x = a1u1 + a2u2 + ... + a u E span (S ) [ • • S c S so u u u E S]
nn 2 • I - 2' I' 2'" .. ' n 2
So, span (S 1) c span (SJ
This proves the first part.
For the second part
Let S1 = {vi' v2, ... , vn _1} and S2 = {vi' v2, ... , vn - 1' v,J
Let x E span (S 2)
⇒ x = a Iv l + a2v2 + ... + a vn for v I' v2' SJ and c-.
v
11 ... , lOf some scalars a a
n E a
Letvn=blvl+b2v2+ ... +bn - lvn - l' forsomescala;sb b b I' 2, ••• , n'
I' 2' ""' n - I
So, x = a 1v1 + a2v2 + ... + an _ 1vn _1 + a ( b v + b v + + b )
n11 2 "' ... V
. ·· n- I n - 1
= (a 1 + anbl) vi + (a2 + anb2) v2 + ··· + (a + a b )
n- I n n- I Vn - I
vector Spaces an d Su bs pa ce s

This is a linear combination ofv l'

v2, ... , vn - t
rm
⇒ x E span (S )
1
Hence, span (S J c span (S )
1
Let x E span (S )
1
⇒ X -- QI 'v I + G ' V + .. • + Q '
2 2 n _ I V n _ I' fiOr SOme SCa1
ars QI ' , a2' , ... , Q ' n _ 1
⇒ x = a 'v + a 'v + ...
1 1 2 2 +a ' n- 1 n - 1 + O.vn
v
⇒ x E span (S )
2
So, span (S 1) c span (S )
2
Thus, span (S,) = span (S J
If span (S 1) = V, then span (S ) = V.
2
This completes the proof of the the
orem.
Alternatively :
(i) S 1 ~ S2 ~ span (S ) ⇒ span
2 (S I ) ~ span (SJ
(ii) By (i), span (S ) = V ~ span
I (S ) ~ V
: . span (S 2) = V.
Example- 3: In the vector space R3
, let u = (1, 2, 1), u
1 2 = (3, 1, 5), u3 = (3, --4, 7)
lf S 1 = {ul' u } and S = {ul' u , uJ
2 2 2
, then show that span (S 1) = span (S J
Solution : Let x E span (S J
⇒ x=a u +a u +a u
1 1 2 2 3 3 for some scalars al' a 2 , a 3 •
Let u3 = au 1 + Pu
2
⇒ (3 ,-4 , 7) =a (l, 2, l)+
P( 3, 1,5)
⇒ (3, - 4, 7) =( a+ 3P, 2a
+ P, a+ SP)
⇒
a+ 3P =3 1
2a +P =- 4
... (1)
a+ 5P =7
The system ( 1) has the solution a
= - 3, P = 2
So, u3 = (-3) u + 2u
1 2
Hence,
x = a1u + a u + a (-3u + 2u J
1 2 2 3 1
= (a, - 3a ) u + (a + 2a ) u
3 1 2 3 2
⇒ x E span (S,)
So, span (S J~ span (S )
1 ... (2)
Let x E span (S )
1
⇒ x = a u + a u , for som
1 1 2 2 e scalars a 1 and a •
2
⇒ x = a u + a u + 0.u
1 1 2 2 3
⇒ x E span (S )
2
,
I

Introduction to Linear Al

...(3)
~
So. span (S,) ~ span (S}
From (2) and (3). w~ get

span (S 1) =span (S) . ,bether (2. - 1. l ) is in the span of s

Example - 4: Let S = {( l. 0. 2). (- t. l. 1)} · Deternune \,
·
Solution: Let (2 . - l. l) E span (S) scalars a and ~-
p. - l. 1) =a( I. 0. 2) + ~ (- 1, 1· l ) for some
~ (2. - l. l) =(a -~ - ~. 2a + ~)

⇒ a - P= 2 l
p=-1 .. .(1 )
2a + P = d
From system ( 1), we get a= l. ~ = - 1
So. (2. -1. 1) = 1 (1. 0. 2) + (-l )(-l , l , l)
Hence. (2.-1 , l ) Espa n (S) . h , ( 111 2)· ·
Example - 5: Let S = {(l , 0. 1. -l ). (0, 1' 1' l)} · Detenmne whether t e \ector - , , , 1s m
the span of S.
Solution: Let (-1. 1, 1. 2) = a (1. 0, 1, -1 ) + a2(O, 1' 1' 1) for some scalars a 1. a~ .
1 -
⇒ (-1. 1, 1, 2) = (a , a , a + a , - a, + 02)
1 2 1 2

⇒ aI =-1
a1 = 1
a1 +a2 = 1 .. .(1)
-a1 +a2 =2
The system ( 1) has no solution, due to the presence of incon
sistent third equation
a1 +a2 =1
i.e., - 1 + 1 = 1
i.e., 0 = 1
Hence (-1 , 1, 1, 2) is not a linear combination of(l , 0, 1,
-1 ) and (0, 1, L l )
(-1 , 1, 1, 2) i span(S)
Example - 6: Let S = {x3 + .i,.2 + x + l, -~ + x + 1, x + I}
Let P be the vector space of polynomials over R.
Determine whether the polynimal - ,.:, + 2, 2 + 3v + " ·s
· ., _, 1 m· span. o f S
Solution: - x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 3 E span (S) .
if we can find scalars a. b. c such that
3
- x + 2x2 + 3x + 3 = a (x1 + :1: 2 + x + 1) + b( ,:: + + )
-' x 1 + c (x + I )
vector Spaces and Sub spa ces

a +b -== 2
a+h +c == 3
l
i.e .. (- 1, 2, 3, 3) = (a.a + b. a + b + c, a + b + c)

a=- ,
... ( I )

The system ( l ) has a solution a = - l, b = 3, c = 1

Hence,
- x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 3 = (- 1)(x3 + x2 + x + l) + 3(x2 + x
+ 1) + l (x + l)
So, - x3 + 2x2 + 3x + 3 E span (S)

Exa mpl e-7: Lct S={( ~l ~).(~ :}(~ ~)}

Dctermine whether ( ~ !}s in the span of S.
3

Solution: ( ~ !) E span (S), if we can find scalars a, b, c such that

3

i.e., (-31 42] =(a-a+ c b +b c)

⇒ a+c =l
b+c=2
-a= -3 ... (1)

b=4

The system (1) has the solution a= 3, b = 4, c = - 2

Hence, ( ~
3 !)=f ~)+ ~ ;)+(-
1 4( 2
)( ~ ~)

Thus , ( ~
3 !J E span (S)
 Introduction to Linear Algeb"n •
~
IIIJ Generators of a vactor space
~ subset S of a vector space V generates (or spans) V if spun (S) =- V
t.e., vectors ofS genemte (or ~pan) V.
Some examples are:
* The subset containing a single elemc11t ( 1. 0. 0) of the vector of space R' spans the subspace
which is of the fonn (a. 0. O). a E R
i.e.. span ( {x}) = {ar : a E R} for any vector x in a vector space.
* The subspace {( l, 0. 0). (0. l. 0)} of R-1 generates the sub~pace which is of the form (a. b. 0)
3
The subset S = {( l. o. 0). (0. I. 0), (0, o, l)} ofR 3 generates R;. i.e .. span (S) = R
If (a 1, a2, a) E R3•
then.
(a , a • a) = a(_ 1. G. 0) + b(0, I, 0) + c{0, 0, l) for some sca lars a. b. c.
1 2

⇒ a= a 1, b = a,, c = a,
- J

1.e., a 1(1. 0, 0) + a/0, 1. 0) + a/0, 0, 1) = (a 1, a2, a)

⇒ (al' a2, a) E span (S)
Hence R3 ~ span (S)
Also span (S) ~ R3
So, span (S) = R3•
3
Example - 8: Show that the vectors ( 1, 1, 0), ( 1, 0, 1) and (0, 1, 1) generate F •
Solution: Let span {(1, 1, 0), (1 , 0, 1), (0, 1, l)} = W
Let V = (a 1, a2, a3) be an arbitrary vector in F3.
Hence (al' a2, a) is a linear combination of the three given vectors (1, 1, 0), (1 , 0, 1) and
(0, 1, 1).
So, the exists scalars r, s and t for which
r (1, 1, 0) + s(l , 0, 1) + t (0, 1, 1) = (a 1, a2, a 3)

⇒ :+s +I::,,) ... (1)

S +t = a3

r+ t=ai
⇒ r+s =a: ... (2)
S + t = a3

... (3)
 m
---
vector Spaces and Sub spac es

r + t = a2 )

⇒ s - t = a, - a2
... (4)
21= aJ - a1 + a2
l I
⇒ r= (a, 1
2 +a 2(a - a
2- a3 ) , s = 1 + a3 ), t = (- a, + a 2 + a3 )
2
2
Hence.

V c W, since W ~ F3, therefore W = F3•

So, the vectors (1, 1, 0), (1, 0, 1), (0, 1, 1) generate F3.
Example- 9: Show that the vectors (1, 2, 3), (0, 1, 2) and
(0, 0, l) generate R3 •
Solution: We have to show that an arbitrary vector (a,,
a2, a3) E R3 is a linear combination of
u1=(1, 2, 3), u2=(0, 1, 2) and u =(0, 0, 1)
3
Suppose, (al' a2, a ) = ru + su + tu for some scalars r,
3 1 2 3 sand t.
(a" a2, a3) = r (1, 2, 3) + s (0, 1, 2) + t (0, 0, 1)
= (r, 2r + s, 3r + 2s + t)

⇒ ;,+s :::)
l
... (1)
3r+ 2s+ t = a3

t + 2s + 3r = a 3
⇒ s+2 r =a2
... (2)
r =a1
⇒ r = a 1, s = a2 - 2al' t = a - 2a + a
3 2 1
The above system is consistent and have a solution.
Thus, u1, u2, u3 generates R3 •

Example - 10: Show that the nratrices (: ~}(~ ~}(~ ~j and ( ~ ~ j generate M, j F).
Solution: We have to show that an arbitrary matrix A
in M x
2 2
(F) is a linear combination of the

matrices B= G~} C =(~ ~} D =(~ ~J and E =(~ ~J

St A
e =
(a,, a,2) = rB. + sC + tD
a21
+ uE , for some scalars r, s, t and u.
a22
,
Intro duction. to Line
Qr "' '

~
~tc.

⇒
r s
( 1 11 )
I. =la, 1
a12 )
022
a2,
⇒ = r . 01 :. = s, a21 = 1,
a ll ll an= F
Hence the matrices B. C. D and E generate M:. , } )

Example -11: Show that if M1 =( ~ ~}M, =( ~ ~)and M =( ~ ~ 3

l
. f
t hen span o {M " M2, M3 } is the set of all symmetric 2 x 2 matrices.
Solution : Let an arbitary matrix A E span {Mp M2, MJ
Then, A has the form

A=a (~ ~
)+b(~ ~)+c(~ ~) for some scfilars a. band c.

=(a cl
C bl

Since A= Ar, A is symmetric.

Hence the span of {M , M , Mj is the set of all symm
1 2 etric 2 x 2 matrices.
Alternatively :

V A= (: ; ) E M,,1 (F),

A=a(~ ~) +b(~ ~) +cG ~)Espan{M 1,M, ,M, l

Example - 12: If S and S are.arbitrary subsets of a
1 2 vector space V, then show that
span (S 1 u Si)= span (S ) + span (SJ
1
Solution: Let x E span (S u S )
I 2
⇒ x = a1u1 + a2u2 + ... + a,,u,, for some vectors 11 , u • ••••
11 in S u S and
1 2 1 11 2
some scalars a,, ar· ·, a,,.
⇒ x = Ia u + I akuk
1 1
whereu1 's ES, and rernaininguk's E S
2
[ ·: Each ui E S, or S2 or both, so dividing the elements
u. into elem ents belornrinu tn S. .u<
S2J ' - -
⇒ x E span (S ) + span (S )
1 2
Vector Spaces and Subspace s (ml
Thus, span (S 1 u S2 ) c span (S 1) + span (S 2 ) ••• (1 )

Further, let u E span (S 1) + span (S 2)

⇒ u = x + y, where x E span (S 1) and y E span (S 2 )
⇒ u = ra u + r akuk where u/ s E S and u/ s E S , a ak are scalars.
1 1 1 2 1
⇒ u=ra.u., whereu.'s ES 1 uS 2 ,[{u.}={uj .}+{uk} ]
l l l l

⇒ u E span (S 1 u S2)
Thus, span (S 1) + span (S 2) c span (S 1 u S2) ••• (2)

From (1 ) and (2), we have span (S u S ) = span (S 1) + span (S2)

1 2