11-08-2024

Problem: Let $T: \mathbb{R} ^3 \to \mathbb{R} ^3$ be a linear transformation satisfying \[ T(1,0,0) = (0,1,1), \ T(1,1,0) = (1,0,1), \ \text{ and } T(1,1,1) = (1,1,2). \] Then
  • $T$ is one-one but $T$ is NOT onto
  • $T$ is one-one and onto
  • $T$ is NEITHER one-one NOR onto
  • $T$ is NOT one-one but $T$ is onto
Solution: At first we note that $\{ (1,0,0), (1,1,0), (1,1,1) \} $ is a basis for $\mathbb{R} ^3$. Using the image of $T$ on the basis elements, we have \begin{align*} T(0,1,0) = T((1,1,0) - (0,1,0)) = (1,-1,0) \\ T(0,0,1) = T((1,1,1) - (1,1,0)) = (0,1,1). \end{align*} Therefore, for any $(x,y,z)$ we have \begin{align*} T(x,y,z) & = T(x(1,0,0) + y(0,1,0) + z(0,0,1)) \\ & = x (0,1,1) + y (1,-1,0) + z(0,1,1) \\ & = (y, x - y + z, x + z). \end{align*} Observe that $T$ is a linear map from a $3$-dimensional space to a $3$-dimensional space and hence using the Rank-Nullity theorem, it is one-one if and only if it is onto. Let us write the matrix of $T$ with respect to the standard basis $\{ e_1, e_2, e_3 \} $. \[ [T] = \begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 1 & -1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 1 \\ \end{bmatrix}. \] Since the determinant of $[T]$ is $0$, so $T$ is neither one-one nor onto.

The correct option is OPTION C.