Part C: Linearity

A linear system is one that given inputs into a system, the sum of the outputs are equivalent to the outputs had the inputs been summed prior to being put through the system.

Example 1: Linear y(t)= 7*t


x1(t) -->|System|--> y1(t)= 7*t

                    |-->(y1 + y2)--> z =14*t

x2(t) -->|System|--> y2(t)= 7*t


likewise


x1(t) + x2(t) = 2*x1(t)

2*x1(t) -->|System|--> y1(t)= 14*t


Example 2: Non-linear y[n]=x[n]^2


x1[n] -->|System|--> y1[n]= x1[n]^2

                    |--> (y1 + y2) --> z = x1[n]^2 + x2[n]^2

x2[n] -->|System|--> y2[n]= x2[n]^2


but


(x1[n]+x2[n]) -->|System|--> y[n] = (x1[n]+x2[n])^2

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Abstract algebra continues the conceptual developments of linear algebra, on an even grander scale.

Dr. Paul Garrett