Faculty use

Constructing the Singular Value Decomposition

Reward correct mathematics, explicit dimensions/hypotheses, interpretation, and verification. Equivalent valid reasoning should receive credit.

Problem 1

They are 3 and 1.

Problem 2

They are square roots of eigenvalues of the positive semidefinite matrix AᵀA.

Problem 3

Definitions should identify the vector/matrix/space/transformation, dimensions or domain/codomain, and the hypotheses behind deriving singular values and vectors from AᵀA and AAᵀ. Use the formulas A=UΣVᵀ; AᵀA vᵢ=σᵢ²vᵢ.

Problem 4

A strong error analysis identifies the first step that violates a definition, dimension, theorem hypothesis, or matrix-operation rule; then repairs that step and re-verifies the final result.

Problem 5

Application responses vary. Require defined variables, a compatible matrix/vector model connected to data science, image compression, inverse problems, recommendation systems, and noise control, a complete computation, interpretation, and limitations.

Problem 6

Accept two independent checks appropriate to the task: reconstruction, residual, RREF comparison, determinant/rank test, orthogonality, substitution, eigenpair check Av=λv, factorization product, or a second method.

Scoring guidance

Six problems × 10 points: 5 mathematical accuracy, 2 structure/justification, 2 verification/interpretation, 1 notation and communication.

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