Questions tagged [change-of-basis]

This tag is for question about changing basis of a finite dimensional vector space. For example, how does the representation of a vector, or a matrix change with the change of basis. Please don't use this tag on its own, it is better to add a more general tag which is relevant to your question, e.g. [linear-algebra] or [matrices] for better visibility.

Linear transformation between finite dimensional vector spaces, $T:V\rightarrow W$, has a matrix representation $A_T$ with respect to given basis $B_V=\{v_1,\cdots,v_n\},\ B_W=\{w_1,\cdots,w_m\}$ Here we have another $A_T'$ with respect to basis $B_V'=\{v_1',\cdots,v_n'\},\ B_W'=\{w_1',\cdots,w_m'\}$ Also we have coordinate isomorphisms $P_V,\ P_W$ : $$ P_V v_i=v_i',\ P_W w_i=w_i' $$ So we have $P_WA_T'P_V^{-1}=A_T$

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Is there an abstract definition of a matrix being "upper triangular"?

Another question brought this up. The only definition I have ever seen for a matrix being upper triangular is, written in component forms, "all the components below the main diagonal are zero." But of course that property is basis dependent. It…
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Change of basis matrix to convert standard basis to another basis

Consider the basis $B=\left\{\begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 1 \\0 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 0 \\1 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\1 \end{pmatrix} \right\}$ for $\mathbb{R}^3$. A) Find the change of basis matrix for converting from the…
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Is basis change ever useful in practical linear algebra?

In layman's terms, why would anyone ever want to change basis? Do eigenvalues have to do with changing basis?
Grau
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Do eigenvalues depend on the choice of basis?

Suppose we have a basis $B$ for an endomorphism $f$ that has eigenvalues $\lambda_{1},\dots,\lambda_{k}$. Do these eigenvalues change or stay the same if we change to another basis $B'$?
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Why is the 'change-of-basis matrix' called such?

"Let $P$ be the change-of-basis matrix from a basis $S$ to a basis $S'$ in a vector space $V$. Then, for any vector $v \in V$, we have $$P[v]_{S'}=[v]_{S} \text{ and hence, } P^{-1}[v]_{S} = [v]_{S'}$$ Namely, if we multiply the…
ghshtalt
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What is range of a matrix?

I am having some tough time understanding the basic concepts, like range of a matrix A. From what I basically understand, if a set columns in a matrix are linearly independent, i.e. one column in that set can not be derived from linear combination…
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Change of Basis Confusion

I am horribly confused by the cluster of terminology and operations surrounding "change of basis" operations. Finding alternate references on this topic only seems to add to the confusion as there doesn't appear to be a consistent approach to…
ItsNotObvious
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Inner product and orthogonality in non orthogonal basis

According to the definition of orthogonality (on finite vector spaces), Given an inner product space, two vectors are orthogonal if their inner product is zero. So as an example, assuming the inner product is the "the standard" Euclidean inner…
ivan zg
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Why is it bad to pick basis for a vector space?

Reading `This Week's Finds', http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week247.html, I'm informed that one should avoid picking coordinate systems and I'm unsure why that is the case. Any help on the matter is appreciated. Linear algebra is all about vector…
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What does it mean to say that a linear transformation *is* the change of basis matrix?

I wish to check my understanding on part of the proof of Proposition 5.3 in Lee's Introduction to Smooth Manifold. It reads as follows: $\def\tE {\widetilde{E}}$ Let $(E_i)$ and $(\tE_i)$ be two ordered bases for a finite-dimensional vector space…
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How is the Laplace Transform a Change of basis?

This question is primarily based on the following answer's way of reasoning, https://math.stackexchange.com/a/2156002/525644 If you want to write a new answer to the question; "How is the Laplace Transform a Change of basis?" Please do. In jnez71's…
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Change of basis - Definition, matrix and relation to diagonalization

Change of basis and diagonalization is a hassle for anyone new to the world of linear algebra; anyway for me. I was thinking I could post my full interpretation and then you guys could correct me if I'm wrong in fill in the gaps if I've missed…
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Vector Component Transformation Matrix in Shilov's Linear Algebra

I am working through Georgi Shilov's Linear Algebra, and I am having trouble understanding the vector component transformation matrix definition he gives in section 5.31. I will describe this definition below. Let $e_1, e_2, \dots, e_n$ and $f_1,…
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Linear transformation of a function vector space

I'm having a bit of trouble solving a homework problem. I've given the specific problem below, but general answers are 100% welcome: Consider the following three bases for a vector space , which is a subspace of $C^\infty(-\infty,\infty):$ $$B_1 =…
Rogue
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Optimal orthonormal basis to represent a Gaussian

I am looking at representing a set of Gaussians, of the form $\exp(-\frac{(r-r_i)^2}{2 \sigma^2})$, on a 1D domain. I do not know $r_i$ and $\sigma$ prior to defining the basis $\{ \phi_k(r) \}_{k=1}^n$. For the representation, I want to use a basis…
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