Proving that a subspace of C is a field

In summary, the subspace of C given by {z ∈ C: Im(z) = m Re(z)} is only a field when m=0, as shown by considering the multiplication axioms.
  • #1
lolittaFarhat
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Homework Statement


Show that the only m for which the subspace of C given by {z ∈ C: Im(z) = m Re(z)} is a field is m=0.

Homework Equations


Field axioms

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove one direction :
- If z is in the subspace, Re z>0 and m≠0 then Arg z<Arg z^2, so z^2 is not in the subspace.
I need a hint to prove the other direction.
 
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  • #2
lolittaFarhat said:

Homework Statement


Show that the only m for which the subspace of C given by {z ∈ C: Im(z) = m Re(z)} is a field is m=0.

Homework Equations


Field axioms

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried to prove one direction :
- If z is in the subspace, Re z>0
No. For example, z = -1 -mi is in C, but Re(z) < 0. Note that for a given value of m, C is a straight line through the origin. Which field axioms prevent this subspace from being a field?
lolittaFarhat said:
and m≠0 then Arg z<Arg z^2, so z^2 is not in the subspace.
I need a hint to prove the other direction.
 
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  • #3
An element of the subspace z would have the form z = x + imx, with x in the reals.
As Mark mentioned, you should check the axioms, it seems like this space satisfies most of the addition axioms. I think you were on the right track with squaring z. Using z^2 as an example, you can show that the only m that satisfies multiplication axioms (for any choice of x and a fixed m) is 0.
 
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1. What is a subspace of C?

A subspace of C is a subset of the complex numbers that satisfies the properties of a vector space. This means that it is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, contains the zero vector, and has closure under vector addition and scalar multiplication.

2. How do you prove that a subspace of C is a field?

In order to prove that a subspace of C is a field, you must demonstrate that it satisfies the properties of a field. This includes commutativity, associativity, existence of additive and multiplicative inverses, and distributivity. You must also prove that it is closed under multiplication and that the multiplicative identity is contained within the subspace.

3. Can a subspace of C be a field if it does not contain the multiplicative identity?

No, a subspace of C cannot be a field if it does not contain the multiplicative identity. The multiplicative identity is a necessary property of a field and without it, the subspace cannot be considered a field.

4. What is the significance of proving that a subspace of C is a field?

Proving that a subspace of C is a field is important because it shows that the subset of complex numbers satisfies the properties of a field, which is a fundamental concept in mathematics. This proof can also be used to show that other subsets of C are fields, and it can be applied to other vector spaces as well.

5. What are some common methods used to prove that a subspace of C is a field?

There are several methods that can be used to prove that a subspace of C is a field. These include proving that it satisfies the properties of a field, showing that it is isomorphic to a known field, or using the fact that every subspace of a field is also a field. Other methods may also be used depending on the specific properties of the subspace in question.

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