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Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Linear Algebra | Example 6 |Show That Vectors Form a Basis for R³ | Determinant Method Explained

Show that {v1, v2, v3} is a Basis for R³ — Worked Example 6
Linear Algebra · Worked Example 6

Show that {v₁, v₂, v₃} is a Basis for ℝ³

Problem. Let \( v_1 = (1,2,1) \), \( v_2 = (2,9,0) \), and \( v_3 = (3,3,4) \). Show that the set \( S = \{v_1, v_2, v_3\} \) is a basis for \( \mathbb{R}^3 \).

Proof

A set of 3 vectors forms a basis for \( \mathbb{R}^3 \) if the vectors are linearly independent. This can be verified by checking whether the determinant of the matrix formed by these vectors (as rows or columns) is non-zero.

Let \(A\) be the matrix with the given vectors as rows:

\[ A = \begin{bmatrix} 1 & 2 & 1 \\ 2 & 9 & 0 \\ 3 & 3 & 4 \end{bmatrix} \]

Step 1 — Evaluate the determinant of A

Expanding along the third column (since it contains a zero):

\[ \begin{aligned} |A| &= 1 \cdot \begin{vmatrix} 2 & 9 \\ 3 & 3 \end{vmatrix} - 0 \cdot \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 3 & 3 \end{vmatrix} + 4 \cdot \begin{vmatrix} 1 & 2 \\ 2 & 9 \end{vmatrix} \\ &= 1 \cdot (6 - 27) - 0 + 4 \cdot (9 - 4) \\ &= 1 \cdot (-21) + 4 \cdot (5) \\ &= -21 + 20 \\ &= -1 \end{aligned} \]

Since \( |A| = -1 \neq 0 \), the matrix \(A\) is non-singular.

Conclusion

Since the determinant is non-zero, the vectors \(v_1, v_2,\) and \(v_3\) are linearly independent. Any set of 3 linearly independent vectors in the 3‑dimensional space \( \mathbb{R}^3 \) forms a basis.

The set \( S = \{v_1, v_2, v_3\} \) forms a basis for \( \mathbb{R}^3 \).

Tutorial Video: Show That a Set of Vectors is a Basis for R³
Basis of R3 Linear Independence Determinant Method Vector Space Non-Singular Matrix 3x3 Determinant

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