Algebraic properites of the direct sum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the algebraic properties of the direct sum in vector spaces, specifically examining a proposed lemma regarding the relationship between direct sums and intersections of subspaces. Participants explore whether a distributive law exists that relates these operations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a lemma about the direct sum and intersections of subspaces, questioning if the statement holds true under certain conditions.
  • Another participant suggests considering whether the subspaces \( W_i \) are indeed subspaces of \( W \), implying that the truth of the statement may depend on this condition.
  • A later reply indicates that if the \( W_i \) are subspaces of \( W \), the statement is trivially true, but questions arise if they are not.
  • One participant assumes a potential typo in the original statement, suggesting that if \( W_{1} \bigoplus W_{2} \bigoplus ... \bigoplus W_{k} = V \), then the statement is false and mentions the possibility of finding a counterexample in \( \mathbb{R}^2 \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the proposed lemma, with some asserting it is true under specific conditions while others challenge its applicability when those conditions are not met. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the generality of the statement.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence of the lemma's validity on whether the subspaces \( W_i \) are contained within \( W \), and the potential implications of this on the proposed distributive law.

Bipolarity
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Is the following statement true? I am trying to see if I can use it as a lemma for a larger proof:

Let ##V## be a vector space and let ##W, W_{1},W_{2}...W_{k} ## be subspaces of ##V##.
Suppose that ## W_{1} \bigoplus W_{2} \bigoplus ... \bigoplus W_{k} = W ##
Then is it always the case that:
## (W_{1} \cap W) \bigoplus (W_{2} \cap W) \bigoplus ... \bigoplus (W_{k} \cap W) = W ##

In essence, this is asking whether there is a distributive law compatible with the set intersection operation and the direct sum operation. I am only asking for a determination of whether the statement is true for false. I will work out the proof/counterexample for myself.

Thanks!

BiP
 
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Ask yourself whether the Wi are subspaces of W
 
lavinia said:
Ask yourself whether the Wi are subspaces of W

It is obvious if they are subspaces of ##W##, but what if they aren't?

BiP
 
Bipolarity said:
It is obvious if they are subspaces of ##W##, but what if they aren't?

BiP

If W is the direct sum of the Wi then show me an element of one of the Wi's that is not in W
 
Bipolarity said:
Is the following statement true? I am trying to see if I can use it as a lemma for a larger proof:

Let ##V## be a vector space and let ##W, W_{1},W_{2}...W_{k} ## be subspaces of ##V##.
Suppose that ## W_{1} \bigoplus W_{2} \bigoplus ... \bigoplus W_{k} = W ##
Then is it always the case that:
## (W_{1} \cap W) \bigoplus (W_{2} \cap W) \bigoplus ... \bigoplus (W_{k} \cap W) = W ##

In essence, this is asking whether there is a distributive law compatible with the set intersection operation and the direct sum operation. I am only asking for a determination of whether the statement is true for false. I will work out the proof/counterexample for myself.

Thanks!

BiP
As it stands, the answer is obviously yes, since each ##W_i## is a subspace of ##W##, and hence ##W_ i\cap W=W_i##.

But I assume that there is a typo and that you meant ## W_{1} \bigoplus W_{2} \bigoplus ... \bigoplus W_{k} = V ##. Then, the answer is no. It is almost trivial to find a counterexample in R2.
 

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