Explain why the columns of an n x n matrix

totalmente80sm9

totalmente80sm9

Answered question

2021-12-03

Explain why the columns of an n x n matrix A are linearly independent when A is invertible.

Answer & Explanation

Rex Gibbons

Rex Gibbons

Beginner2021-12-04Added 6 answers

Let v1,,vn denotes the columns of A, and let there exist scalars x1,,xn such that
x1v1+x2v2++xnvn=0x1=x2==xn=0.
This can be rewritten as Ax=0. (This is true by definition of matrix multiplication)
Now, suppose that A is invertible. We want to show thath the only solution to Ax=0x=0.
Multiplying both sides by A1 of Ax=0 gives us
A1(Ax)=A1×0
x=0.
Therefore the columns [v1,,vn] are linearly independent.
Result:
The columns [v1,,vn] are linearly independent.

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