Nontrivial Subspace with Equal Dimensions: Linear Algebra Example

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SUMMARY

A nontrivial subspace with equal dimensions to its original space is not possible in finite-dimensional vector spaces. If V is a finite-dimensional vector space and W is a subspace of V with dim(W) = dim(V), then W must equal V. This conclusion is based on the principle that n linearly independent vectors in an n-dimensional space form a basis for that space. However, in the context of infinite-dimensional spaces, such as the space of all polynomials, it is feasible to have a subspace like the polynomials of even degree.

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dan0
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Hi,
I'm just learning for my linear algebra exam and I wonder if somebody could give me an example of a nontrivial subspace which has as many dimensions as the original space.
Thanks a lot
 
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What does non-trivial mean here? With "my" usage of non-trivial, I'd say it's not possible. Because if V is a finite-dimensional vector space and W is a subspace of V with dim(W) = dim(V), then V = W (this uses the fact that n linearly independent vectors in an n-dimensional space must necessarily form a basis of the space). Maybe it's possible with a space of infinite dimension, though.
 
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yep. take polynomials of even degree, as a subspace of all polynomials. does that work?
 

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