Do all linear transformations have a matrix representation? If so,

Fallbasiss4

Fallbasiss4

Answered question

2022-01-20

Do all linear transformations have a matrix representation? If so, what theorem proves this?? If not, give an example that contradicts the statement.

Answer & Explanation

Sean Becker

Sean Becker

Beginner2022-01-21Added 16 answers

Step 1
Theorem: Let V and W be two finite-dimensional vector spaces with dimension m and n respectively. Suppose T:VW is a linear transformation and B1 is ordered basis of V, B2 is ordered basis of W. Then, there exists a Am×n such that [T(x)]B1=A[x]B2
Step 2
Consequently, based on the aforementioned theorem, it is obvious that there is no possibility of representation as a matrix if the vector space does not have finite dimensions.
Example, consider the set of all continuous function real-valued functions on the domain [0,1]. That is, X=C[0,1].
Define T:XX by T(f(x))=xf(x). Prove that T is linear map as follows,
T(cf(x)+g(x))=x(cf(x)+g(x))
=x(cf(x))+x(g(x))
=cxf(x)+xg(x)
cT(f(x))+T(g(x))
Thus, it is a linear map but X does not have a finite basis thus one cannot represent this linear map as a matrix.
Therefore, every linear transformation is not represented as a matrix.

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