Null Space Calculator

Find the null space (kernel) of a matrix and calculate its nullity with step-by-step solutions

Matrix Input

Enter Matrix Elements

Enter decimal numbers. Empty cells are treated as 0.

Null Space Results

2
Rank
1
Nullity
3
Columns

Rank-Nullity Theorem: Rank + Nullity = Number of Columns

Verification: 2 + 1 = 3 = 3

Basis for Null Space

Vector 1:

[1,-2,1]

Quick Examples

Key Concepts

N

Null Space

Set of all vectors v where Av = 0

R

Rank

Number of linearly independent rows/columns

D

Nullity

Dimension of the null space

Solution Steps

1.

Perform Gauss-Jordan elimination

2.

Identify leading ones (pivot columns)

3.

Find free variables (non-pivot columns)

4.

Construct basis vectors for null space

5.

Verify using rank-nullity theorem

Understanding Null Space

What is the Null Space?

The null space (or kernel) of a matrix A is the set of all vectors v such that Av = 0, where 0 is the zero vector. It represents the "directions" that are completely eliminated by the linear transformation represented by matrix A.

Why is it Important?

  • Solving homogeneous systems of equations
  • Understanding linear transformations
  • Determining matrix properties and invertibility
  • Applications in physics and engineering

Key Theorems

Rank + Nullity = Number of Columns

(Rank-Nullity Theorem)

Properties

  • Vector Space: Null space is always a vector subspace
  • Zero Vector: Always contains the zero vector
  • Linear Combinations: Closed under addition and scalar multiplication
  • Basis: Can be described by a finite set of basis vectors

Note: If nullity = 0, the matrix has full column rank and is injective (one-to-one).