Relation To The Row Space
Let A be an m by n matrix (i.e., A has m rows and n columns). The product of A and the n-dimensional vector x can be written in terms of the dot product of vectors as follows:
Here a1, ..., am denote the rows of the matrix A. It follows that x is in the null space of A if and only if x is orthogonal (or perpendicular) to each of the row vectors of A (because if the dot product of two vectors is equal to zero they are by definition orthogonal).
The row space of a matrix A is the span of the row vectors of A. By the above reasoning, the null space of A is the orthogonal complement to the row space. That is, a vector x lies in the null space of A if and only if it is perpendicular to every vector in the row space of A.
The dimension of the row space of A is called the rank of A, and the dimension of the null space of A is called the nullity of A. These quantities are related by the equation
The equation above is known as the rank–nullity theorem.
Read more about this topic: Kernel (matrix)
Famous quotes containing the words relation to the, relation to, relation, row and/or space:
“Unaware of the absurdity of it, we introduce our own petty household rules into the economy of the universe for which the life of generations, peoples, of entire planets, has no importance in relation to the general development.”
—Alexander Herzen (18121870)
“A theory of the middle class: that it is not to be determined by its financial situation but rather by its relation to government. That is, one could shade down from an actual ruling or governing class to a class hopelessly out of relation to government, thinking of govt as beyond its control, of itself as wholly controlled by govt. Somewhere in between and in gradations is the group that has the sense that govt exists for it, and shapes its consciousness accordingly.”
—Lionel Trilling (19051975)
“There is a certain standard of grace and beauty which consists in a certain relation between our nature, such as it is, weak or strong, and the thing which pleases us. Whatever is formed according to this standard pleases us, be it house, song, discourse, verse, prose, woman, birds, rivers, trees, room, dress, and so on. Whatever is not made according to this standard displeases those who have good taste.”
—Blaise Pascal (16231662)
“And, indeed, is there not something holy about a great kitchen?... The scoured gleam of row upon row of metal vessels dangling from hooks or reposing on their shelves till needed with the air of so many chalices waiting for the celebration of the sacrament of food. And the range like an altar, yes, before which my mother bowed in perpetual homage, a fringe of sweat upon her upper lip and the fire glowing in her cheeks.”
—Angela Carter (19401992)
“Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.”
—Eric Hoffer (19021983)