A square matrix is nilpotent if for some positive integer .
Let be the vector space of all matrices with real entries.
Let be the set of all nilpotent matrices with real entries.
Is a subspace of the vector space ?
- Is nonempty?
- Is closed under addition? If it is, enter CLOSED.
If it is not, enter two matrices in whose sum is not in ,
using a comma separated list and syntax such as
for the answer .
(Hint: to show that is not closed under addition, it is sufficient to find two
nilpotent matrices and such that for all positive integers .)
- Is closed under scalar multiplication? If it is, enter CLOSED.
If it is not, enter a scalar in and a matrix in whose product is not in ,
using a comma separated list and syntax such as for the
answer .
(Hint: to show that is not closed under scalar multiplication, it is sufficient to find a real number
and a nilpotent matrix such that for all positive integers .)
- Is a subspace of the vector space ?
You should be able to justify your answer by writing a complete, coherent, and detailed proof
based on your answers to parts 1-3.
In order to get credit for this problem all answers must be correct.