Intuitions on understanding system of linear equations as linear transformations

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I am looking for an explanation of (in)homogeneity of linear systems of equations from a perspective of linear transformations.

For example, the following connections between linear transformations and linear systems of equations I understand:


1) If the system is homogenous it has at least $\mathbf{0}$ as a solution.

Transformation perspective:

$\mathbf{0}$ is a solution, as $T\mathbf{0} = \mathbf{0}$ for all linear transformations $T$; trivial from definition of matrix multiplication. There might be other vectors that $T$ sends to $0$.

2) If the system is invertible, is has exactly one solution.

Transformation perspective:

If it is invertible, it is a bijective mapping, thus there is exactly one vector that satisfies the system. If there were more, it would not be bijective.


So, specifically I would like to understand from a transformations perspective the following:

  • From a linear transformations perspective, what does it mean for a system of equatiosn to be homogenous (apart from $\mathbf{0}$ being a trivial member of the nullspace of the transformation.)

  • From a linear transformations perspective, what does it mean for a system of equatiosn to be inhomogeneous

  • what are free variables from the perspective of linear transformations

  • from the perspective of linear transformations why are there infinitely many solutions if there are more variables than equations ( = basis vectors from the point of view of transformation?)