For any m×n matrix of rank r, the dimension of the column space equals r and the dimension of the null space equals n − r, giving rank + nullity = n.
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Pivot columns as a basis for the column space
Row reduce the matrix with rows , , to two pivots, take those pivot columns as a basis, and record .
Rank versus dimension as terms
Record the language distinction: rank is a property of a matrix, dimension is a property of a space, and the rank equals the dimension of the column space.
Special solutions as a null space basis
Set the free variables to and , back-solve for and , and state that equals the number of free variables.
The split
Write that an matrix of rank has pivot columns spanning the column space and free columns each contributing one null space basis vector.