DUONG.

LE DAI (OWNER)

LINEAR ALGEBRA EXERCISE AND SOLUTION

Faculty of Mathematics, Hanoi National University of Education

The first draft

Contents

1 Vector Spaces 4
1.1 The definition of vector spaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 The linear combination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 The linear independence and dependence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.4 Vector subspaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.5 Bases and add to the basis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.6 The sum and intersection of two vector subspaces; The subspace generated by set 10

2 Answer 12
2.1 K73 Summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.2 K71K Official Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 K72K Midterm test - Even . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.4 K72K Midterm test - Odd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2
Preface

Linear Algebra is a crucial subject in the university curriculum for the Faculty of Mathe-
matics with serving as the foundation for understanding and applying other relating subjects.
This book is written and presented in a detailed manner to cater to beginners. However, as
this book is written with a subjective perspective, it is inevitable that some mistakes may have
been happen. We kindly ask for your understanding and welcome any responses to make this
book more completely.

Once more, Thank you for reading and studying this book!

Author: Duong. Le Dai

Contact: My linking facebook

3
Chapter 1

Vector Spaces

1.1 The definition of vector spaces

Problem 1 Let R3 with two operators + and · be defined as

(x, y, z) + (x′ , y ′ , z ′ ) = (x + x′ , y + y ′ , z + z ′ )

λ(x, y, z) = (λx, y, z)
Is the given set a R vector space ?
Solution.
For λ ̸= 1, we consider (1, 2, 2) then λ(1, 2, 2) = (λ, 2, 2) ̸= (λ, 2λ, 2λ)
This contradicts to the 8th axiom so that it’s not a R vector space.

Problem 2 Let R2 with two operators + and · be defined as

(x, y) + (x′ , y ′ ) = (x + x′ , y + y ′ )

λ(x, y) = (2λx, 2λy)

Is the given set a R vector space ?
Solution.
For λ ̸= 0, we consider (1, 1) then λ(1, 1) = (λ, λ) ̸= (2λ, 2λ)
This contradicts to the 8th axiom so that it’s not a R vector space.

Problem 3 Consider whether the set of real numbers x ≥ 0 with two operators + and ·
is R vector space.
Solution.
We have that 1 + (−1) = 0 but −1 ∈
/ A then A is not a R vector space.

1.2 The linear combination

Problem 4 Express ⃗x as the linear combination of ⃗u, ⃗v , w.
⃗

a) ⃗x = (7, −2, 15), ⃗u = (2, 3, 5), ⃗v = (3, 7, 8), w

⃗ = (1, −6, 1)

⃗ = (1, −6, 1)
b) ⃗x = (0, 0, 0), ⃗u = (2, 3, 5), ⃗v = (3, 7, 8), w

c) ⃗x = (1, 4, −7, 7)⃗u = (4, 1, 3, −2), ⃗v = (1, 2, −3, −2), w

⃗ = (16, 9, 1, −3)

4
CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES
1.3. THE LINEAR INDEPENDENCE AND DEPENDENCE

Solution.
a) We consider that ⃗x = a⃗u + b⃗v + cw
⃗ then it will be a system of equations, as follows:

2a + 3b + c = 7
 n
3a + 7b − 6c = −2 ⇒ a =

5a + 8b + c = 15


Problem 5 Write X as the linear combination of vectors A and B then point out the corre-
sponding coordinate of X with respect to A and B.
a) X = (1, 0), A = (1, 1), B = (0, 1)

b) X = (2, 1), A = (1, −1), B = (−1, 0)

c) X = (1, 1), A = (2, 1), B = (−1, 0)

Solution.
a) We consider that X = xA + yB then the following system of equations is obtained:
( (
x=1 x=1
⇒
x+y =0 y = −1

Then we have X = A − B and its coordinate is (1, −1)

b) Analogously, we have X = −A − 3B and its coordinate is (−1, −3)

c) We find X = A + B and its coordinate is (1, 1)

1.3 The linear independence and dependence

Problem 6 Investigate whether the following sets in R3 is independent or not ?
a) (1, 2, 3), (3, 6, 7)

b) (4, −2, 6), (6, −3, 9)

c) (2, −3, 1), (3, −1, 5), (1, −4, 3)

d) (5, 4, 3), (3, 3, 2), (8, 1, 3)

Solution.
a)

b)

c) We consider that a(2, −3, 1) + b(3, −1, 5) + c(1, −4, 3) = 0 then the following system of
equations is given by  
2a + 3b + c = 0
 a = 0

−3a − b − 4c = 0 ⇒ b = 0
 
a + 5b + 3c = 0 c=0
 

Therefore the set of those vectors is linearly independent.

Page 5
1.3. THE LINEAR INDEPENDENCE AND DEPENDENCE
CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES

d) Analogously, we obtain that the set is linearly dependent.

In other ways, we can find the rank of those. For instance, rank(C) = 3 then it is linearly
independent. Moreover, since rank(D) = 2 < 3 then it is linearly dependent.

Problem 7 (The proposed problem) Show that the followings are linearly independent on
both R and C.

Problem 8 Let (a, b) and (c, d) be two vectors. Show that if ad − bc = 0 then they are
linearly dependent. And if ad − bc ̸= 0 then they are linearly independent.
Solution.
a b
Since ad − bc = 0 then we have = = t ⇒ (a, b) = t(c, d)
c d
It is equivalent to say that (a, b) and (c, d) are linearly dependent.
Conversely, for the case ad − bc ̸= 0 we can write as x(a, b) + y(c, d) = 0 then we have
(
xa + yc = 0
⇒ y(bc − ad) = 0 ⇒ y = 0
xb + yd = 0
Plugging y = 0 and notice that (a, b) ̸= (0, 0) then we obtain that x = y = 0. In other words,
we can say that (a, b) and (c, d) are linearly independent, completes our proof.

Problem 9 Let C[a, b] be the set of continuous functions on [a, b], which of the followings are
linearly independent ?
a) (t − 1)2 , (t − 2)2 , (t − 3)2
b) 1, et , e−t
c) sin x, sin 2x, ... sin kx for positive integer k
d) et , log t
Solution. (Written in the Notebook)

Problem 10 Find the rank of the followings:

a) (1, 2, 0, 1); (1, 1, 1, 0); (1, 0, 1, 0); (1, 3, 0, 1)
b) (1, 1, 1, 1); (1, 3, 1, 3); (1, 2, 0, 2); (1, 2, 1, 2); (3, 1, 3, 1)
Solution.

a) We investigate the following matrix:

   
1 2 0 1 1 2 0 1  
0 −1 1 −1 −1 1 −1  
1 1 1 0 1 −1
1 0 1 0 −→ 0 −2 1 −1 −→ 1 + −2 1 −1 −→ 2 + 1 −1 → 3
     
1 0 0
1 3 0 1 0 1 0 0
b) We consider that
   
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 3 1 3 0 2 0 2  
    2 0 2
1 2 0 2 −→ 0 1 −1 1  −→ 1 +
   →3

1 1 −1 1
2 1 2  0 1 0 1 
3 1 3 1 0 −2 0 −2

Page 6
CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES 1.4. VECTOR SUBSPACES

Problem 11 Find the rank of the followings:

a) t2 − 2t, t2 − 3t, t2 − 4t, t2 − 5t

b) sin x, cos x, sin 2x, cos 2x, sin 3x, cos 3x

1.4 Vector subspaces

Problem 12 Which set is a subspace of R3 ?

a) The vectors are of the form (a, 0, 0), a ∈ R

b) The vectors are of the form (a, 1, 1) ?

c) The vectors are of the form (a, b, c) with b = a + c ?

d) The vectors are of the form (a, b, c) with b = a + c + 1 ?

Solution.

a) Denote W as the set of all such vectors and we consider that

λ(a1 , 0, 0) + µ(a2 , 0, 0) = (λa1 + µa2 , 0, 0) ∈ W

Thus it is a subspace of R3

b) We have λ(a1 , 1, 1) + µ(a2 , 1, 1) = (λa1 + µa2 , λ + µ, λ + µ) ̸= (a1 , 1, 1) ∈

/W
Then it is not a subspace of R3 .

c) We consider λ(a1 , b1 , c1 ) + µ(a2 , b2 , c2 ) = (λa1 + µa2 , λb1 + µb2 , λc1 + µc2 )

We have λb1 + µb2 = λ(a1 + c1 ) + µ(c1 + c2 ) satisfying the condition as required hence it would
be a vector subspace of R3 .

d) Analogously, we obtain that W is also a vector subspace of R3 .

Problem 13 Denotes P3 as the set of all 3-degree polynomials with one variable and R
is a vector space. Which subset is the vector subspace of P3 ?

a) The polynomial a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 ?

b) The polynomial a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 with a0 + a1 + a2 + a3 ?

c) The polynomial a0 + a1 x + a2 x2 + a3 x3 with a0 , a1 , a3 are integers ?

Solution.

a) It is a vector subspace of P3 .

b) It is not a vector subspace of P3 .

c) It is not a vector subspace of P3 .

Page 7
1.5. BASES AND ADD TO THE BASIS CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES

1.5 Bases and add to the basis

Problem 14 Show that {(1, 2, 3, 4); (2, 3, 0, 1)} is linearly independent on R4 . Let’s add two
vectors so that they form to the basis of R4 .
Solution.
Firstly, we consider that a(1, 2, 3, 4) + b(2, 3, 0, 1) = (0, 0, 0, 0) which gives us:


 a + 2b = 0

2a + 3b = 0
⇒a=b=0


 3a = 0

4a + b = 0

Hence it is linearly independent, completes the first task.

We can choose the standard basis {(1, 0, 0, 0); (0, 0, 0, 1)} adding to those. Now we hope it’s
well.  
1 2 3 4  
2 3 0 1 1 2 3  
2 3
1 0 0 0 −→ 1 + 2 3 0 −→ 2 + 3 0 → 4
   
1 0 0
0 0 0 1
Hence our choice is completely justified.

Problem 15 Which of the following is basis of R4 ? If it is, let’s find the corresponding
coordinate of ⃗v = (1, 9, 8, 1) ?

a) (1, 1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1, 1), (1, 0, 0, 1)

b) (0, 1, 1, 1), (1, 1, 1, 0), (1, 1, 0, 1), (1, 0, 1, 1)

c) (0, 1, 2, 3), (1, 2, 3, 4), (2, 3, 4, 5), (3, 4, 5, 6)

Solution.

a) We must find the rank of them by the following

   
1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0    
0 1 1 0 1 1 0
1 1 0
  0 1 1 0


0 −→  −→ 1 +  0 1 1 −→ 1 + 0 1 1 → 3 < 4
0 1 1 0 0 1 1
−1 0 1 0 1 1
1 0 0 1 0 −1 0 1

Therefore, it is not a basis of R4 .

b) We investigate that
   
0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1    
1 1 1 1 1 1  
1 1 1 0
  0 0 0 −1 1 1
 → → 1+ 0 0 −1 → 1+ 1 1 0 → 2+
    →4
1 1 0 1  0 0 −1 0  0 −1
0 −1 0 0 −1 0
1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1

Thus it is a basis of R4 .
Also, we need to consider that a(0, 1, 1, 1) + b(1, 1, 1, 0) + c(1, 1, 0, 1) + d(1, 0, 1, 1) = (1, 9, 8, 1)

Page 8
CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES 1.5. BASES AND ADD TO THE BASIS

then the system of equations is obtained as:



 b+c+d=1

a + b + c = 9 16 16 −5 −8
⇒ a = ,b = ,c = ,d =
a + b + d = 8
 3 3 3 3


a+c+d=1

Hence the corresponding coordinate of ⃗v is given as above.

c) We consider the following

     
0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 3
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
  1 2 3 4
2 3 4 5 −→ 1 ⇒ rank 
   <4
1 1 1 2 3 4 5
3 4 5 6 1 1 1 1 3 4 5 6

Hence it can not be a basis of R4 .

Problem 16 Consider the set V = {(x, y, z, t) ∈ R4 : x + y + z + t = x + 2y + 3z + 4t = 0}.

It is known that V is a vector subspace of R4 . Determine a basis of V and dim V .
Solution.
First of all, from the given assertion, x + y + z + t = x + 2y + 3z + 4t = 0 then we obtain
that x1 = x3 + 2x4 , x2 = −2x3 − 3x4 and we can choose {(1, −2, 1, 0); (2, −3, 0, 1)} constructing
a part of the basis of V . It is easy to see that they are linearly independent thus dim V = 2.

Problem 17 Consider the following set V = {(x1 , x2 , x3 , x4 ) ∈ R4 : x1 + 2x2 = 3x3 + 4x4 }.

a) Show that V is a vector subspace of R4 .

⃗ = (3, 0, 1, 0) and β⃗ = (0, 4, 0, 2) be linearly independent on V . Let’s add some

b) Let α
vectors so that it will be a basis of V .
Solution.

a) To show that V is a vector subspace of R4 , we need to consider the following:

λ(x1 , x2 , x3 , x4 ) + µ(y1 , y2 , y3 , y4 ) = (λx1 + µy1 , λx2 + µy2 , λx3 + µy3 , λx4 + µy4 ) ∈ V

We now justify λx1 +µy1 +2(λx2 +µy2 ) = 3(λx3 +µy3 )+4(λx4 +µy4 ). Since, from the condition
as required, x1 + 2x2 = 3x3 + 4x4 then it is completely justified. The first task is shown.

b) We also have x1 = −2x2 + 3x3 + 4x4 hence we can choose {(−2, 1, 0, 0); (4, 0, 0, 1)} as a
”candidate” of the basis of V . And our task is investigating the maximal linearly independent
system of them, as follows:
   
−2 1 0 0 −2 1 0 0  
 4 0 0 1  4 −2 0 0 −2 1 0 0
 3 0 1 0 −→  3
    −→  3 0 1 0
0 1 0
0 2 0 1
0 4 0 2 0 4 0 2

So the last our step is a potential basis.

Problem 18 Suppose that {⃗

α1 , α αn } is a basis of vector space V . Show that the system
⃗ 2 , ...⃗

Page 9
1.6. THE SUM AND INTERSECTION OF TWO VECTOR SUBSPACES; THE
SUBSPACE GENERATED BY SET CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES
{⃗ ⃗ 1 − 2⃗
α1 , α ⃗ 2 − 3⃗
α2 , α ⃗ n−1 − n⃗
α3 , ..., α αn } is also a basis of V .
Solution.
Firstly, by assumption, since {⃗ α1 , α αn } is a basis of vector space V then rank(W ) = n.
⃗ 2 , ...⃗
1
We need to prove that rank(W ′ ) = n. Indeed, we have that α ⃗ 2 = (β⃗1 − β⃗2 ) and also,
  2
1 1 ⃗
α
⃗3 = (β1 − β⃗2 ) − β⃗3 ,... so on. Thus, each vector α ⃗ i can be written as a linear combination
3 2
of the vectors in S. This implies that the set S spans V .
Assume that a linear combination of the vectors in S equals the zero vector:

c1 β⃗1 + c2 β⃗2 + · · · + cn β⃗n = ⃗0.

Substituting the choices of β⃗1 , β⃗2 , . . . , β⃗n , we get:

c1 α α1 − 2⃗
⃗ 1 + c2 (⃗ α2 − 3⃗
α2 ) + c3 (⃗ α3 ) + · · · + cn (⃗ αn ) = ⃗0.
αn−1 − n⃗

Rearranging terms, we have:

(c1 + c2 )⃗
α1 + (−2c2 + c3 )⃗
α2 + (−3c3 + c4 )⃗ αn = ⃗0.
α3 + · · · + (−ncn )⃗

Since {⃗
α1 , α ⃗ n } is a basis then the coefficients must all be zero:
⃗ 2, . . . , α

c 1 + c 2 = 0


−2c2 + c3 = 0



−3c3 + c4 = 0

 ....................................


 ..................

−ncn = 0.


From −ncn = 0, we get cn = 0. Substituting backwards, we find cn−1 = 0, cn−2 = 0, and so on,
until c1 = 0. Hence, all the coefficients are zero, implying that the set S is linearly independent.
In other words, we can conclude that it would be a basis of V .

1.6 The sum and intersection of two vector subspaces;

The subspace generated by set
Problem 19 Let U be the vector subspace generated by

⟨(1, 1, 0, −1); (1, 2, 3, 0); (2, 3, 3, −1)⟩

and V be generated by
⟨(1, 2, 2, −2); (2, 3, 2, −3); (1, 3, 4, −3)⟩
Find dim(U ∩ W ).
Solution.
By the theorem of direct sum, we have that dim(U ∩ W ) = dim U + dim W − dim(U + W )
Hence we have to find the rank of U + W , as follows:
   
1 1 0 −1 1 1 0 −1
1 2 3 0  0 1 3 1 
     
2 3 3 −1
 −→ 0 1 3 1  −→ 1 + 1 3 1 → 3
 

1 2 2 −2 0 1 2 −1 1 2 −1
   
2 3 2 −3 0 1 2 −1
1 3 4 −3 0 2 4 −2

Page 10
 1.6. THE SUM AND INTERSECTION OF TWO VECTOR SUBSPACES; THE
CHAPTER 1. VECTOR SPACES SUBSPACE GENERATED BY SET
Hence we obtain that dim(U ∩ W ) = 3 + 3 − 3 = 3

Problem 20 Let U be the vector subspace generated by

(1, 3, −2, 2, 3), (1, 4, −3, 4, 2), (2, 3, −1, −2, 9)

and V spanned by
(1, 3, 0, 2, 1), (1, 5, −6, 6, 3), (2, 5, 3, 2, 1)
Find a basis for U ∩ V and U + V .
Solution.
Take ⃗u ∈ U ∩ V then the following system of equations is obtain as

 a + b + 2c = x + y + 2z 
a=0


2a + 4b + 3c = 3x + 5y + 5z

 

 
b = 2y − z
−2a − 3b − c = −6y + 3z ⇒
  c=0
2a + 4b − 2c = 2x + 6y + 2z

 

x = y − 3z

 

3a + 2b + 9c = x + 3y + z

We notice that ⃗u = a(1, 3, −2, 2, 3) + b(1, 4, −3, 4, 2) + c(2, 3, −1, −2, 9) = {(1, 4, −3, 4, 2)}

Page 11
Chapter 2

Answer

2.1 K73 Summer

Problem 1. (2,0 points) Let P3 [x] be the vector space of all polynomials of degree 3 or less in
the variable x. Prove that the following system {P0 = x + 1, P1 = x − 2, P2 = x2 + x, P3 = x3 − x}
is linearly independent.
Solution.

We consider that a(x + 1) + b(x − 2) + c(x2 + x) + d(x3 − x) = 0, ∀x

Now let’s us arrange them into a − 2b + (a + b + c − d)x + cx2 + dx3 = 0
Therefore, the system of equations is obtained:


 a − 2b = 0

a + b + c − d = 0
⇒a=b=c=d=0


 c=0

d=0

Thus the problem was completed.

Problem 2. (2,0 points) In the vector space R4 , consider the following vector subspaces:

U = ⟨⃗
α1 = (1; 1; 0; 0), α
⃗ 2 = (1; 2; 1; 0), α
⃗ 3 = (1; 1; 1; 1)⟩

and
W = {(x1 , x2 , x3 , x4 ) | x1 + x2 + x3 = 0} .

a) Find a basis and the dimension of W .

b) Prove that U ∩ W ̸= {⃗0}.

Solution.

a) We have x1 + x2 + x3 = 0 ⇒ x3 = −x1 − x2
We can choose the set {(1, 0, −1, 1); (0, 1, −1, 1); (0, 0, 0, 1)} that represents a basis of W .
This is linearly independent thus dim W = 3.

b) We easily observe that α⃗ 3 = β⃗1 + β⃗3 + β⃗3 then U ∩ W = α

⃗ 3 or our proof was shown.
More explicitly, we have dim(U ∩ W ) = rank(U ) + rank(W ) − dim(U ∪ W ) = 2

12
CHAPTER 2. ANSWER 2.1. K73 SUMMER

Problem 3. (3,0 points) Consider the linear map f : R3 → R3 defined by:

f (x1 , x2 , x3 ) = (x1 + x2 − 2x3 , x1 − 2x2 + x3 , −2x1 + x2 + x3 ).

a) Prove that f is a linear map.

b) Find a basis for Imf and a basis for Kerf .

c) Is there a positive integer m such that f m = 0 ? Explain your answer.

Solution.

a) We now consider the following conditions:

For ∀⃗u(u1 , u2 , u3 ), ⃗v (v1 , v2 , v3 ) ∈ R3 we have

f (⃗u +⃗v ) = (u1 +v1 +u2 +v2 −2u3 −2v3 , u1 +v1 −2u2 −2v2 +u3 +v3 , −2u1 −2v1 +u2 +v2 +u3 +v3 )

f (⃗u)+f (⃗v ) = (u1 +v1 +u2 +v2 −2u3 −2v3 , u1 +v1 −2u2 −2v2 +u3 +v3 , −2u1 −2v1 +u2 +v2 +u3 +v3 )
Then we have f (⃗u) + f (⃗v ) = f (⃗u + ⃗v ), ∀⃗u, ⃗v ∈ R3 .
For λ ̸= 0 and ∀⃗u(u1 , u2 , u3 ) ∈ R3 then we consider that

f (λ⃗u) = λ(u1 + u2 − 2u3 , u1 − 2u2 + u3 , −2u1 + u2 + u3 ) = λf (⃗u)

From just two conditions, it implies that f is a linear map.

b) We can rewrite as Imf = x1 (1, 1, −2) + x2 (1, −2, 1) + x3 (−2, 1, 1)

We will find the basis of Imf , as follows:
     
1 1 −2 1 1 −2 1 1 −2  
 1 −2 1  −→  0 −3 3  −→ 0 −3 3  −→ 1 1 −2
0 −1 1
−2 1 1 −2 1 1 0 3 −3

Then {(1, 1, −2); (0, −1, 1)} forms to the basis of Imf .
Secondly, we must findthe basis of Kerf .
x1 + x2 − 2x3 = 0

We have ⃗x ∈ Kerf ⇒ x1 − 2x2 + x3 = 0 ⇒ x1 = x2 = x3

−2x1 + x2 + x3 = 0

Therefore {(1, 1, 1)} is a basis of Kerf .

c) Consider the following characteristic polynomial:

1−λ 1 −2
det(f − λI) = 1 −2 − λ 1 = −λ3 + 9λ = 0 ⇒ λ = 0; ±3
−2 1 1−λ

For the case λ = 0 then dim Kerf = 1 as above.

For the case λ = 3 then dim Ker(f − 3Id) = 1
For the case λ = −3 then dim Ker(f + 3Id) = 1
We can observe that, for each case, the geometric multiplicity is equal to the corresponding
algebraic multiplicity which yields to the conclusion f is diagonalizable and there exists an
integer m such that f m = 0.

Page 13
2.1. K73 SUMMER CHAPTER 2. ANSWER

Problem 4. (2,0 points) Consider a bilinear form in R3 defined by:

φ(⃗ ⃗ = 2x1 y1 + x2 y2 + kx3 y3

α, β) (k is a real constant),

⃗ = (x1 ; x2 ; x3 ) and β⃗ = (y1 ; y2 ; y3 ) ∈ R3 .

where α

a) Find the condition for k such that φ is a scalar product on R3 .

b) Suppose k = 1 then φ is a scalar product on R3 . Find an orthonormal basis in the

Euclidean vector space (R3 , φ).

Solution.

a) Recall that φ is a scalar product if φ is symmetric, positively definite.

Now we will consider two conditions as follows:
For ⃗u, ⃗v ∈ R3 we must have φ(⃗u, ⃗v ) = 2x1 y1 + x2 y2 + kx3 y3 = φ(⃗v , ⃗u), nothing to check.
After that, for ∀⃗u ∈ R3 \{⃗0} we have φ(⃗u, ⃗u) = 2x21 + x22 + kx23 > 0 hence k > 0.

b) At k = 1 then φ(⃗ ⃗ = 2x1 y1 + x2 y2 + x3 y3

α, β)
Let {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ⃗e3 } be a standard basis of R3 then we have φ(⃗e1 , ⃗e2 ) = 0, φ(⃗e1 , ⃗e2 ) = 0, φ(⃗e1 , ⃗e2 ) = 0
Therefore {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ⃗e3 } is also an orthogonal basis of R3 .
We also have  φ(⃗e1 , ⃗e1 )= 2, φ(⃗e2 , ⃗e2 ) = 1, φ(⃗e3 , ⃗e3 ) = 1
1
Hence ⃗ε1 = √ , 0, 0 , ⃗ε1 = (0, 1, 0), ⃗ε3 = (0, 0, 1) forms to the orthonormal basis of (R3 , φ).
2
Problem 5. (1,0 point) Consider matrix A of size 2025×2024 and matrix B of size 2024×2025.
Prove that:
det(AB) = 0.
Solution.

By the rank-nullity theorem in linear transformation, we have null(B) + dim B = 2025

In the fact of dim B ≤ 2024, it follows that nullB ≥ 1
However we have that null(B) ⊆ null(AB), which means that null(AB) > 0
Therefore AB is a square matrix with a non-trivial null space, that is it cannot be invertible.
In other words, by theorem, we must have det(AB) = 0.

Page 14
CHAPTER 2. ANSWER 2.2. K71K OFFICIAL EXAM

2.2 K71K Official Exam

Problem 1. (2,0 points) Let V and W be two vector spaces over a field K, let {⃗e1 , . . . , ⃗en }
be a basis of V , and {⃗ε1 , . . . , ⃗εn } are vectors in W . Prove that there exists a unique linear
mapping f : V → W such that f (⃗ei ) = ⃗εi for i = 1, . . . , n.
Solution. !
Xn n
X
Put f : V → W to be the mapping f xj ⃗ej = xj ⃗εj
j=1 j=1
We can easily observe
X that fXis a map.
Hence for ⃗u = xj ⃗ej , ⃗v = yj ⃗ej and ∀λ, µ ∈ R, we consider that

n
! n
X X
f (λ⃗u + µ⃗v ) = f λxj ⃗ej + µyj ⃗ej = (λxj + µyj )⃗εj = λf (⃗u) + µf (⃗v )
j=1 j=1

Hence f is a linear mapping and the result is obtained.

But for now, we need to demonstrate the uniqueness of this.
Well, let’s us suppose that f ′ is an another linear mapping which satisfies all hypothesis as
above.
Then by definition, for ∀⃗x = (xj ) ∈ V we consider that

n
! n n
X X X
f ′ (⃗x) = f ′ xj ⃗ej = xj f ′ (⃗ej ) = xj ⃗εj = f (⃗x)
j=1 j=1 j=1

Thus we obtain that f ≡ f ′ . So the problem is demonstrated.

Problem 2. (2,0 points) In the real vector space R4 , let

U = ⟨⃗
α1 = (1, 1, 0, 0), α
⃗ 2 = (0, 1, 1, 0), α
⃗ 3 = (0, 0, 1, 1)⟩

and

W = ⟨β⃗1 = (1, 0, 1, 0), β⃗2 = (0, 2, 1, 1), β⃗3 = (1, 2, 1, 2)⟩.

a) Find a complement of U .

b) Find a basis of U ∩ W .

Solution.

a) Definition of linear complement: Let V be a vector space and U be a subspace of V . Let

U ′ be another subspace of V we say U ′ is a linear complement of U in V if V = U ⊕ U ′
So how to find a complement of U in V = R4 ?

+ Take a basis of U .

+ Add vectors to the basis to form a basis of V .

+ The subspace spanned by the added vectors is a complement of U in V .

Page 15
2.2. K71K OFFICIAL EXAM CHAPTER 2. ANSWER

We can find that rank(U ) = 3 then they are linearly independent. In other ways, they are also
a basis of U .
Therefore we obtain the following result:
 
1 1 0 0  
0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0
 
0 0 1 1
 −→ 0 1 1 0 
 

1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 
 
0 2 1 1 0 0 0 −2
1 2 1 2

Thus this subspace spanned by these vectors is a complement of U .

b) Firstly, we compute dim(U ∩ W ) = dim U + dim W − dim(U ∪ W ) = 3 + 3 − 4 = 2

Pick ⃗v ∈ U ∩W ⇒ a(1, 1, 0, 0)+b(0, 1, 1, 0)+c(0, 0, 1, 1) = x(1, 0, 1, 0)+y(0, 2, 1, 1)+z(1, 2, 1, 2)
then the system of equations is obtained, as follows:


 a=x+z

a + b = 2y + 2z
⇒a=c


 b + c = x + y + z

c = y + 2z

Since dim(U ∩ W ) = 2 then in each pair of the set {(a, b, c); (x, y, z)} there must be exists a
number that equal to 0.
Since a = c so b = 0. In other words, we can say that {(1, 1, 0, 0); (0, 0, 1, 1)} is a basis of U ∩W .

Problem 3. (2,0 points) Let f : R3 → R3 be a mapping defined by

f (x1 , x2 , x3 ) = (x1 + x2 + 3x3 , x1 − x2 − x3 , 3x1 − x2 + x3 ).

a) Prove that f is a linear mapping.

b) Find a basis of Imf and a basis of Kerf .

Solution.

a) It’s much easy to prove so it belong to you as an exercise.

b) We can observe that {(1, 1, 3); (1, −1, −1); (3, −2, 1)} forms to the basis of Imf .
For ⃗x ∈ Kerf then we obtain that

x1 + x2 + 3x3 = 0

x1 − x2 − x3 = 0 ⇒ x2 = 2x1 = −2x3

3x1 − x2 + x3 = 0


Therefore {(1, 2, −1)} is a basis of Kerf .

Problem 4. (2,0 points) Let R4 be an Euclidean vector space with the usual scalar prod-
uct.
a) Show that R4 is the direct sum of two subspaces U and V , where

U = ⟨⃗
α1 = (1, 0, 0, 0), α
⃗ 2 = (1, 1, 0, 0)⟩, V = ⟨β⃗1 = (0, 0, 1, 1), β⃗2 = (0, 0, 0, 1)⟩

Page 16
CHAPTER 2. ANSWER 2.2. K71K OFFICIAL EXAM

b) For ⃗e = (1, 1, 1, 1) ∈ R4 , let W = {⃗ α ∈ R4 : α

⃗ · ⃗e = 0}. Find an orthonormal basis
4
{⃗ε1 , ⃗ε2 , ⃗ε3 , ⃗ε4 } of R such that ⃗ε1 , ⃗ε2 , ⃗ε3 ∈ W .

Solution.

a) We need to prove that they are maximal linearly independent subset.

It’s so easy to see that rank(U ∪ V ) = 4
We also have dim(U ∩ V ) = dim U + dim V − dim(U ∪ V ) = 2 + 2 − 4 = 0 hence U ∩ V = ∅
By definition, it leads to the Q.E.D.

b) Remark that W = {(x, y, z, t) ∈ R4 : x + y + z + t = 0}

Then the basis of W  {(−1, 1, 0, 0); (−1, 0, 1, 0); (−1, 0, 0, 1)}
 is given by
⃗e 1 1 1 1
We put ⃗ε4 = = , , ,
|⃗e| 2 2 2 2
Using the Gram Schmidt’s orthonormalization process (Yourself), we obtain that
   
1 1 1 1
⃗ε1 = √ , − √ , 0, 0 ; ⃗ε2 = 0, 0, √ , − √ ; ⃗ε3 = (0, 1, −1, 0)
2 2 2 2
Problem 5. (2,0 points) Let A and B be two matrices with the same size. Suppose that
B n = 0 for some positive integer number n, and A commutes with B. Prove that

det(A + B) = det(A).

Solution. (Referenced from the source of Math.stackexchange)

Let m > 0 be such that B m = 0. Since A commutes with B, we may expand as follows
m  
m
X m
(A + B) = B m−i Ai . (∗)
i=0
i

Suppose that det(A) = 0, and let v ̸= 0 be such that Av = 0. Observe that

(A + B)m (v) = 0,

since each term in the expansion (∗) kills v: for 0 < i < m, we have B m−i (Ai (v)) = B m−i Ai−1 (Av) =
0, and for i = 0, we have B m (v) = 0 since B m = 0. Therefore 0 ̸= v ∈ ker(A + B)m , so

(det(A + B))m = det((A + B)m ) = 0,

so det(A + B) = 0 = det(A).
Now suppose that det(A) ̸= 0. Let C = A−1 B. It suffices to show that det(I + C) = 1. Let
λ ∈ K̄ be a root of the characteristic polynomial of I + C, so that

det((1 − λ)I + C) = det(I + C − λI) = 0.

Since A commutes with B, so does A−1 , and thus −C = A−1 B is nilpotent. Now since −C is
nilpotent and commutes with (1 − λ)I + C, which has determinant 0, by the above paragraph
we have

(1 − λ)n = det((1 − λ)I) = det(((1 − λ)I + C) + (−C)) = det((1 − λ)I + C) = 0,

so λ = 1. Therefore, the characteristic polynomial of I + C has only 1 as a root, and thus

det(I + C) = 1.

Page 17
2.3. K72K MIDTERM TEST - EVEN CHAPTER 2. ANSWER

2.3 K72K Midterm test - Even

Problem 1. (5 points) Give the definition of scalar product. Let φ : R3 × R3 → R be a scalar
product defined by the formula

φ((x, y, z), (x′ , y ′ , z ′ )) = xx′ + 2yy ′ + 3zz ′ + xy ′ + yx′

and U be a vector subspace of R3 given by the formula

U = {(x, y, z) ∈ R3 : x + y + z = 0}.

Find an orthonormal basis of U with respect to the scalar product φ.

Solution.
The definition of scalar product is stated as follows:
Let φ : E × E → R be a bilinear form. We say that:

+ φ is symmetric if φ(⃗u, ⃗v ) = φ(⃗v , ⃗u) for ∀u, v ∈ E.

+ φ is definite if and only if φ(⃗u, ⃗u) = 0 ⇔ ⃗u = ⃗0

+ φ is positive if and only if φ(⃗u, ⃗u) > 0 for ∀⃗u ∈ E\{⃗0}

We say that φ is a scalar product if φ is symmetric, positively definite.

First of all, we can take the basis {(−1, 1, 0); (−1, 0, 1)} of U .
Secondly, we will compute the scalar product using φ(⃗v1 ; ⃗v1 ) = 1 then ⃗e1 = (−1, 1, 0)
⃗v2 1
We also have φ(⃗v2 , ⃗e1 ) = 0 hence ⃗e2 = = √ (−1, 0, 1)
|⃗v2 | 2
Therefore {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 } is an orthonormal basis of U with respect to the scalar product φ.

Problem 2. (5 points) Give the definition of the matrix of an endomorphism in a basis.

Describe the change of the matrix of the endomorphism when the basis is changed.
Solution.
Suppose f : V → V is an endomorphism on a finite-dimensional vector space V , and
B = {v1 , v2 , . . . , vn } is a basis of V . The matrix of the endomorphism f in the basis B is the
matrix A = [aij ] with entries aij defined by:
n
X
f (⃗vj ) = aij ⃗vi .
i=1

In other words, aij is the coefficient of vi in the linear combination expressing f (vj ) in terms
of the basis vectors v1 , v2 , . . . , vn . Therefore, the j-th column of the matrix A represents the
coordinates of f (vj ) in the basis B.
So how does the matrix of an endomorphism change if we change the basis ?
Let’s us demonstrate the change of the matrix of an endomorphism under a change of basis.
Let f : V → V ∈ End(V ) be a mapping.
We suppose that (⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en ) −→ (f (⃗e1 ), f (⃗e2 ), ...f (⃗en )) = (⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en )A
Also, (e⃗1 ′ , e⃗2 ′ , ...e⃗n ′ ) −→ (f (e⃗1 ′ ), f (e⃗2 ′ ), ...f (e⃗n ′ )) = (e⃗1 ′ , e⃗2 ′ , ...e⃗n ′ )B
We now consider that

f (⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en ) = f (e⃗1 ′ , e⃗2 ′ , ...e⃗n ′ )C ⇒ (f (⃗e1 ), f (⃗e2 ), ...f (⃗en )) = (f (e⃗1 ′ ), f (e⃗2 ′ ), ...f (e⃗n ′ ))C

We can rewrite as (⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en )A = (e⃗1 ′ , e⃗2 ′ , ...e⃗n ′ )BC = (e⃗1 ′ , e⃗2 ′ , ...e⃗n ′ )CA ⇒ CA = BC
Thus we obtain that B = CAC −1 be the illustration of interchange.

Page 18
CHAPTER 2. ANSWER 2.3. K72K MIDTERM TEST - EVEN

Problem 3. (5 points) Give the definition of the sum of two vector subspaces. Let U, W
be subspaces of a finite-dimensional vector space V . Prove that

dim(U + W ) = dim U + dim W − dim(U ∩ W ).

Solution. (Referenced from Textbook)

Let {⃗ αr } be a basis of U ∩ W . We need to add s vectors such that {⃗
α1 , ...⃗ α1 , ...⃗ αr , β⃗1 , ...β⃗s }
is a basis of U and {⃗ αr , ⃗γ1 , ...⃗γt } is a basis of W . We hope that {⃗
α1 , ...⃗ αr , β⃗1 , ...β⃗s , ⃗γ1 , ...⃗γt }
α1 , ...⃗
is a basis of U + W .
It’s clear that {⃗ αr , β⃗1 , ...βs , ⃗γ1 , ...⃗γt } is a generated system of U + W .
α1 , ...⃗
We consider the following linear combination:

a1 α ⃗ r + b1 β⃗s + ... + bs β⃗s + c1⃗γ1 + ...ct⃗γt = ⃗0;

⃗ 1 + ... + ar α aj , bj , ck ∈ R

Then we have a1 α ⃗ 1 + ... + ar α ⃗ r + b1 β⃗s + ... + bs β⃗s = −c1⃗γ1 − ... − ct⃗γt ∈ U ∩ W since the LHS
is in U and the opponent is in W .
Thus we can express as −c1⃗γ1 −...−ct⃗γt = d1 α ⃗ 1 +...+dr α ⃗ r ⇒ c1⃗γ1 +...+ct⃗γt +d1 α ⃗ r = ⃗0
⃗ 1 +...+dr α
Because {⃗ α1 , ...⃗αr , ⃗γ1 , ...⃗γt } is linearly independent so that c1 = ... = ct = d1 = .... = dr = 0
It means that a1 α ⃗ 1 + ... + ar α ⃗ r + b1 β⃗s + ... + bs β⃗s = ⃗0
But {⃗ ⃗ r , β⃗s , ...β⃗s } is also linearly independent thus a1 = ... = ar = b1 = .... = bs = 0
α1 , ..., α
which leads to c1 = .... = ct = 0 and {⃗ αr , β⃗1 , ...βs , ⃗γ1 , ...⃗γt } is linearly independent hence
α1 , ...⃗
it is also a basis of U + W .
Thus we obtain that dim(U +W ) = r+s+t = (r+s)+(r+t)−r = dim U +dim W −dim(U ∩W )

Page 19
2.4. K72K MIDTERM TEST - ODD CHAPTER 2. ANSWER

2.4 K72K Midterm test - Odd

Question 1. (5 points) Give the definition of the conjugate of an endomorphism of a Euclidean
vector space. Let f : R2 → R2 be an endomorphism whose matrix in the canonical basis is
 
1 2
.
1 −1

Consider R2 as a Euclidean vector space with canonical scalar product. Find the matrix of the
conjugate f ∗ in the basis consisting of ε1 = (1, 0); ε2 = (1, 1).
Solution.
We have

Question 2. (5 points) Give the definition of the matrix of a bilinear form. Describe the
change of the matrix of the bilinear form when the basis is changed.
Solution.
The definition of the matrix of a bilinear form is stated as follows:
(The definition via Internet) Let V be a finite-dimensional vector space over a field F, and let
B : V × V → F be a bilinear form. Suppose {v1 , v2 , . . . , vn } is a basis of V . Then, the matrix
of the bilinear form B with respect to this basis is the n × n matrix [B] whose entries are given
by
[B]ij = B(vi , vj )
for 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n.
In other words, each entry of the matrix corresponds to the value of the bilinear form applied
to pairs of basis vectors. This matrix encodes all the information about the bilinear form with
respect to the chosen basis.
(The definition in Notebook) Let φ : E × E → R be a bilinear form and {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 ...⃗en } be a basis
of E. Then (φ(⃗ei , ⃗ej )) ∈ Rn,n , 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n is called the matrix of φ in the basis {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 ...⃗en }.
So how does the matrix of φ change when we change the basis ?
Consider the mapping φ : E × E → R and we suppose that {⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en } is a basis of E and
⃗ε1 , ⃗ε2 , ...⃗εn is another basis of E.
And we endow that A = φ(⃗ei , ⃗ej ), 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n and B = φ(⃗εi , ⃗εj ), 1 ≤ i, j ≤ n
Xn
We consider that (⃗e1 , ⃗e2 , ...⃗en ) = (⃗ε1 , ⃗ε2 , ...⃗εn )C or we can write as ⃗ej = cij ⃗εi
! i=1
Xn n
X Xn X n
On the other hand, we also have A = φ(⃗ei , ⃗ej ) = φ cik ⃗εk , cil ⃗εl = cik φ(⃗εk , ⃗εl )clj
k=1 l=1 k=1 l=1
Thus we obtain A = C T BC which is the illustration of this exchanging.

Question 3. (5 points) Give the definition of a quotient vector space. Let V be a finite-
dimensional vector space and U be a subspace of V . Prove that

dim(V /U ) = dim V − dim U.

Solution. (Referenced from Textbook)

Let {⃗ αr } be a basis of W . We need to add s vectors such that {⃗
α1 , ...⃗ αr , β⃗1 , ...β⃗s } is a
α1 , ...⃗
basis of V . We will show that {[β⃗1 ], [β⃗2 ], ...[β⃗s ]} is a basis of V /W .
Assume that b1 [β⃗1 ] + · · · + bs [β⃗s ] = [0]. This means that b1 β⃗1 + · · · + bs β⃗s ∈ W . Therefore, that
vector is linearly represented through the chosen basis of W , as follows:

b1 β⃗1 + · · · + bs β⃗s = a1 α
⃗ 1 + · · · + ar α
⃗ r,

Page 20
CHAPTER 2. ANSWER 2.4. K72K MIDTERM TEST - ODD

Since {⃗ ⃗ r , β⃗1 , . . . , β⃗s } is linearly independent, we have a1 = · · · = ar = b1 = · · · = bs = 0.

α1 , . . . , α
Thus, the system {[β⃗1 ], . . . , [β⃗s ]} is also linearly independent.
On the other hand, it is clear that {[β⃗1 ], . . . , [β⃗s ]} is a generating set for the space V /W .
Indeed, every vector α ⃗ ∈ V is linearly represented through {⃗ ⃗ r , β⃗1 , . . . , β⃗s }:
α1 , . . . , α

α
⃗ = c1 α ⃗ r + d1 β⃗1 + · · · + ds β⃗s ,
⃗ 1 + · · · + cr α cj , dj ∈ K.

⃗ 1 + · · · + cr α
Since c1 α ⃗ r ∈ W then we have

α] = [d1 β⃗1 + · · · + ds β⃗s ] = d1 [β⃗1 ] + · · · + ds [β⃗s ].

[⃗

α] ∈ V /W can be linearly represented by {[β⃗1 ], . . . , [β⃗s ]}.

Therefore, every vector [⃗
Counting the number of vectors of those chosen bases, we obtain that

dim V /W = s = (r + s) − r = dim V − dim W

Page 21