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Algebra / English

Independence, Basis, and Dimension

MIT OpenCourseWare · YouTube · 13:19

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A geometric introduction to linear independence, spanning sets, bases and dimension using vectors in three-dimensional space.

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Chapters

0:33Independence3:00Redundant vectors9:00Basis and dimension

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Two nonzero vectors are independent when neither is a scalar multiple of the other. Their linear combinations then span a plane through the origin.

Adding the sum of two existing vectors does not enlarge their span. The new three-vector set is dependent, so it is not a basis for the plane.

A basis both spans the space and is linearly independent. Different bases of the same finite-dimensional space contain the same number of vectors; this number is its dimension.

Knowledge cards

01

Independence

Two nonzero vectors are independent when neither is a scalar multiple of the other. Their linear combinations then span a plane through the origin.

02

Redundant vectors

Adding the sum of two existing vectors does not enlarge their span. The new three-vector set is dependent, so it is not a basis for the plane.

03

Basis and dimension

A basis both spans the space and is linearly independent. Different bases of the same finite-dimensional space contain the same number of vectors; this number is its dimension.

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  • Basis and dimension ExplanationAt 0:33
    Why this connection?

    Two nonzero vectors are independent when neither is a scalar multiple of the other. Their linear combinations then span a plane through the origin. Adding the sum of two existing vectors does not enlarge their span. The new three-vector set is dependent, so it is not a basis for the plane. A basis both spans the space and is linearly independent. Different bases of the same finite-dimensional space contain the same number of vectors; this number is its dimension.