Annihilator of a Direct Sum: Proving V0=U0⊕W0 for V=U⊕W

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that the annihilator of a direct sum of vector spaces, specifically V=U⊕W, satisfies the condition V0=U0⊕W0, where V0 denotes the annihilator of V.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the definitions of direct sums and annihilators, questioning the original poster's assertion that V0=U0⊕W0. Some suggest examining specific elements in the annihilators of U and W to clarify the relationship.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing debate about the correctness of the original statement, with some participants asserting that the conclusion should be V*=U0⊕W0 instead. Clarifications regarding the notation and the definitions involved are being sought, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the notation used for the annihilators and the implications of the direct sum definition, suggesting that there may be misunderstandings regarding the underlying concepts.

Adgorn
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Homework Statement


Suppose V=U⊕W. Prove that V0=U0⊕W0. (V0= annihilator of V).

Homework Equations


(U+W)0=U0∩W0

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I don't see how this is possible. If V0=U0⊕W0, then U0∩W0={0}, and since (U+W)0=U0∩W0, it means (U+W)0={0}, but V=U⊕W, so V0={0}. I don't think this is the desirable result so it means I misunderstood something along the way, clarification would be appreciated.
 
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Adgorn said:
(U+W)0=U0∩W0
This part is not relevant. It is not the case that ##V=U+W##. We have ##V=U\oplus W## which has a different meaning.

To get a better handle on this, think about the following: say ##u\in U^0-\{0_U\}##. What is a corresponding element of ##V## that is in ##V^0##? Then do the same for ##w\in W^0-\{0_W\}##.
 
Adgorn said:
Suppose V=U⊕W. Prove that V0=U0⊕W0. (V0= annihilator of V).
that is wrong.
the correct conclusion must be ##V^*=U^0\oplus W^0##
Indeed,
1) it is clear that ##U^0\cap W^0=\{0\}##; it also follows from
Adgorn said:
(U+W)0=U0∩W0

2) take any function ##f\in V^*## and define a linear function ##f_U## is follows ##f_U(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in U## and ##f_U(x)=0## provided ##x\in W##;
similarly ##f_W(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in W## and ##f_W(x)=0## provided ##x\in U##.
Obviously it follows that ##f=f_U+f_W,\quad f_U\in W^0,\quad f_W\in U^0##
 
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andrewkirk said:
This part is not relevant. It is not the case that ##V=U+W##. We have ##V=U\oplus W## which has a different meaning.

To get a better handle on this, think about the following: say ##u\in U^0-\{0_U\}##. What is a corresponding element of ##V## that is in ##V^0##? Then do the same for ##w\in W^0-\{0_W\}##.
But V=U⊕W means V=U+W and U∩W={0}, meaning the theorem still applies, doesn't it?
Also I am not familiar with the notation 0u and 0w, so i'd appreciate an explanation about that.
 
zwierz said:
that is wrong.
the correct conclusion must be ##V^*=U^0\oplus W^0##
Indeed,
1) it is clear that ##U^0\cap W^0=\{0\}##; it also follows from

2) take any function ##f\in V^*## and define a linear function ##f_U## is follows ##f_U(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in U## and ##f_U(x)=0## provided ##x\in W##;
similarly ##f_W(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in W## and ##f_W(x)=0## provided ##x\in U##.
Obviously it follows that ##f=f_U+f_W,\quad f_U\in W^0,\quad f_W\in U^0##
Well this does make sense, if it is indeed a misprint in the book it would not be the first one...
 

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