Final answer:
To determine if vector b is a linear combination of vectors a1, a2, and a3, set up the equations and solve for the scalars k1, k2, and k3.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine if vector b is a linear combination of vectors a1, a2, and a3, we need to check if there exist scalars k1, k2, and k3 such that b = k1*a1 + k2*a2 + k3*a3.
Let's set up the equations and solve for k1, k2, and k3.
For the x-coordinates: 2 = k1*1 + k2*0 + k3*5
For the y-coordinates: -1 = k1*(-2) + k2*1 + k3*(-6)
For the z-coordinates: 6 = k1*0 + k2*2 + k3*8
Solving these equations will give us the values of k1, k2, and k3, which will determine if b is a linear combination of a1, a2, and a3.