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How do you construct the 3x3 matrix for a linear transformation in three-dimensional space?

To construct the 3x3 matrix, observe where the three standard basis vectors (i^\hat{i}, j^\hat{j}, and k^\hat{k}) land after the transformation. Record the final coordinates of these transformed vectors as column vectors. Placing these three columns side-by-side creates a 3x3 matrix that fully encodes the transformation.

Conditions

  • Working in three-dimensional Cartesian space.
  • The transformation is linear.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the standard basis vectors: i^\hat{i} along the x-axis, j^\hat{j} along the y-axis, and k^\hat{k} along the z-axis.
  2. Apply the linear transformation to i^\hat{i} and record its new coordinates as the first column.
  3. Apply the transformation to j^\hat{j} and record its new coordinates as the second column.
  4. Apply the transformation to k^\hat{k} and record its new coordinates as the third column.
  5. Combine these three columns to form the 3x3 matrix.

Example

The script states: 'Recording the final coordinates of i^\hat{i}, j^\hat{j}, and k^\hat{k} as column vectors constructs a 3x3 matrix that fully encodes the transformation using only nine numbers.'

Common misconceptions

  • Placing the coordinates of the transformed basis vectors into rows instead of columns.
  • Believing that tracking only two basis vectors is sufficient for a 3D transformation.

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