Determine is the set is a real vector space (and say why if it isn't)

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the classification of specific sets as real vector spaces. The set of all nonnegative real numbers is not a vector space due to failure of closure under scalar multiplication, as multiplying by a negative scalar results in a number outside the set. The set of all upper triangular nxn matrices is not a vector space because it requires all matrices to be of the same size for addition, which is not guaranteed. Conversely, the set of all upper triangular square matrices qualifies as a vector space, as it allows for closure under addition and scalar multiplication, provided the matrices are of compatible sizes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector space properties, including closure under addition and scalar multiplication.
  • Familiarity with matrix operations, specifically addition and multiplication.
  • Knowledge of the definitions of upper triangular matrices.
  • Basic concepts of real numbers and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of vector spaces in linear algebra.
  • Learn about matrix types and their characteristics, focusing on triangular matrices.
  • Explore scalar multiplication and its implications for vector spaces.
  • Investigate examples of sets that are and are not vector spaces to solidify understanding.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in linear algebra, mathematicians analyzing vector spaces, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of matrix theory and its applications.

Pi Face
Messages
76
Reaction score
0
-set of all nonnegative real numbers
-set of all upper triangular nxn matrices
-set of all upper triangular square matrices

from the book, the answers are: yes, no(need to be the same size to define addition), and yes

for the set of all nonnegative real numbers, doesn't it fail closure under scalar multiplication? if you multiply any number (except 0) in the set by a negative number, making it a negative number, wouldn't that new number be out of the initial set? thus making it not a vector space?

for upper triangular nxn matrices, why isn't it a vector space? nxn implies they are all the same size right? so when you add two of them together, you get another upper triangular nxn matrix, and multiplying them preserves this as well.

for all upper triagnular square matrices, why is it a real vector space? the set just specifices "square", not the size, so if you have two different sized triaangular matrices then you can't add them, failing closure under addition
 
Physics news on Phys.org
anyone have any idea?
 
I think you are right and the book is wrong, but since it's in a book, I could be missing something
 

Similar threads

Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
9K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
3K