Challenging +1.2 This is a standard Further Maths linear algebra question requiring row reduction to find rank and null space basis. While it involves 4×4 matrices and multiple parts, the techniques are routine for FP1 students: systematic row operations, identifying pivot columns, and solving homogeneous systems. The final part connects null space to solution sets, but this is a standard application rather than requiring novel insight.
The linear transformation \(\mathrm { T } : \mathbb { R } ^ { 4 } \rightarrow \mathbb { R } ^ { 4 }\) is represented by the matrix \(\mathbf { M }\), where
$$\mathbf { M } = \left( \begin{array} { r r r r }
1 & - 2 & 3 & - 4 \\
2 & - 4 & 7 & - 9 \\
4 & - 8 & 14 & - 18 \\
5 & - 10 & 17 & - 22
\end{array} \right)$$
Find the rank of \(\mathbf { M }\).
Obtain a basis for the null space \(K\) of T .
Evaluate
$$\mathbf { M } \left( \begin{array} { r }
1 \\
- 2 \\
2 \\
- 1
\end{array} \right)$$
and hence show that any solution of
$$\mathbf { M x } = \left( \begin{array} { l }
15 \\
33 \\
66 \\
81
\end{array} \right)$$
\(\Rightarrow S = 4\sqrt{2}\pi\cdot\frac{e^{2\pi}-e^{-2\pi}}{10} = \frac{2\sqrt{2}\pi}{5}(e^{2\pi}-e^{-2\pi})\) or \(\frac{4\sqrt{2}\pi}{5}\sinh 2\pi\) or \(952\) (3sf)
\(\mathbf{x} = \begin{pmatrix}1\\-2\\2\\-1\end{pmatrix}+\lambda\begin{pmatrix}1\\0\\1\\1\end{pmatrix}+\mu\begin{pmatrix}2\\1\\0\\0\end{pmatrix}\) since \(\mathbf{M}\begin{pmatrix}1\\-2\\2\\-1\end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix}15\\33\\66\\81\end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{M}\left[\lambda\begin{pmatrix}1\\0\\1\\1\end{pmatrix}+\mu\begin{pmatrix}2\\1\\0\\0\end{pmatrix}\right]=0\)
B1\(\checkmark\) [2]
Sum of components \(= 6 \Rightarrow 3\lambda+3\mu=6 \Rightarrow \mu=2-\lambda\)
B1\(\checkmark\)
Sum of squares of components \(= 26 \Rightarrow 5\mu^2+4\lambda\mu+4\lambda^2+3\lambda^2+10=26\) \(\Rightarrow 4\lambda^2-8\lambda+4=0 \Rightarrow (\lambda-1)^2=0\)
The linear transformation $\mathrm { T } : \mathbb { R } ^ { 4 } \rightarrow \mathbb { R } ^ { 4 }$ is represented by the matrix $\mathbf { M }$, where
$$\mathbf { M } = \left( \begin{array} { r r r r }
1 & - 2 & 3 & - 4 \\
2 & - 4 & 7 & - 9 \\
4 & - 8 & 14 & - 18 \\
5 & - 10 & 17 & - 22
\end{array} \right)$$
Find the rank of $\mathbf { M }$.
Obtain a basis for the null space $K$ of T .
Evaluate
$$\mathbf { M } \left( \begin{array} { r }
1 \\
- 2 \\
2 \\
- 1
\end{array} \right)$$
and hence show that any solution of
$$\mathbf { M x } = \left( \begin{array} { l }
15 \\
33 \\
66 \\
81
\end{array} \right)$$
\hfill \mbox{\textit{CAIE FP1 2016 Q11 OR}}