# condition for upper triangular matrix

Consider the following condition from this other post

1. Define $S_k = \operatorname{span} (e_1, \ldots, e_k)$, where $e_i$ the standard basis vectors. Clearly, the linear map $T$ is upper triangular if and only if $T S_k \subset S_k$.

From this condition, wouldnt any linear map of dimension $\leq k$ be upper triangular? If not, what am I not understanding?

• ... if and only if $TS_k \subset S_k$ for all $k$. – Daniel Fischer Jul 18 '13 at 20:11
• @DanielFischer What I am thinking is this: The transformation corresponding to matrix $A=\begin{pmatrix}0&0\\1&0\end{pmatrix}$ is definitely not upper triangular. But it is a subset of $\mathbb{R}^2$ – CodeKingPlusPlus Jul 18 '13 at 20:16
• But for that, you don't have $AS_1 \subset S_1$. – Daniel Fischer Jul 18 '13 at 20:17
• I think I am confused by $AS_1$. What is the meaning? – CodeKingPlusPlus Jul 18 '13 at 20:19
• Identifying the matrix with the linear map. The matrix for $T$ is upper triangular if and only if 1. $T e_1 = \lambda e_1$, 2. $T e_2 \in \operatorname{span}(e_1,\, e_2)$, 3. $T e_3 \in \operatorname{span}(e_1,\,e_2,\,e_3)$ 4. etc. – Daniel Fischer Jul 18 '13 at 20:33

An $n\times n$ matrix $T$ is upper triangular if and only if $TS_k \subseteq S_k$ for all $k\in\{1,\ldots,n\}$.