Explain why a given set with defined addition and scalar multiplication does satisfy a given vector space property, but nonetheless isnβt a vector space.
A vector space is any set of mathematical objects, called vectors, and a set of numbers, called scalars, with associated addition and scalar multiplication operations that satisfy the following properties. Let be vectors belonging to , and let be scalars.
Vector addition is associative: .
Vector addition is commutative: .
An additive identity exists: There exists some where .
Additive inverses exist: There exists some where .
Scalar multiplication is associative: .
1 is a multiplicative identity: .
Scalar multiplication distributes over vector addition: .
Scalar multiplication distributes over scalar addition: .
What are some objects that are important to you personally, academically, or otherwise that appear vector-like to you? What makes them feel vector-like? Which axiom for vector spaces does not hold for these objects, if any.
Our vector space axioms have eight properties. While these eight properties are enough to capture vectors, the objects that we study in the real-world often have additional structures not captured by these axioms. What are some structures that you have encountered in other classes, or in previous experiences, that are not captured by these eight axioms?
Show that , the set of positive real numbers, is a vector space, but where really means the product (so ), and where scalar multiplication really means . Yes, you really do need to check all of the properties, but this is the only time Iβll make you do so. Remember, examples arenβt proofs, so you should start with arbitrary elements of for your vectors. Make sure youβre careful about telling the reader what means.
Prove that the additive identity in an arbitrary vector space is unique.
Prove that additive inverses are unique. Assume you have a vector space and some . Further, assume with . Prove that .
Consider the vector space of polynomials, . Suppose further that , where and are each positive integers. Conjecture a relationship between and . We will investigate this further in section Section 3.6