A computational tool designed to determine the set of all vectors that, when multiplied by a given matrix, result in the zero vector. For example, if a matrix represents a system of linear equations, this tool identifies all possible solutions that satisfy the system when the equations equal zero. This set of vectors forms a subspace, often visualized geometrically as a line or plane passing through the origin.
Determining this subspace is fundamental in linear algebra and has broad applications in various fields. It provides insights into the matrix’s properties, such as its rank and invertibility. Historically, the concept has been crucial in solving differential equations, optimizing systems, and understanding the behavior of dynamic systems. In computer graphics and image processing, it plays a role in dimensionality reduction and data compression.
