Determining if vectors in R3 are linear subspaces

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The discussion centers on determining if the set U = {(x1, x2, x3) ∈ ℝ3 | x1 + x2 = 0} is a linear subspace of ℝ3. To qualify as a linear subspace, U must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication. Participants clarify that if two vectors x and y belong to U, their sum x + y must also satisfy the condition x1 + x2 = 0. The calculations demonstrate that U is indeed closed under both operations, confirming it is a linear subspace. Overall, the conclusion is that U meets the criteria for being a linear subspace of ℝ3.
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Homework Statement


U={(x1,x2,x3)\inℝ3 | x1+x2=0}
Is this a linear subspace of ℝ3?

Homework Equations


x1+x2=0

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that in order to be a linear subspace, it must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication. I'm just not really sure how to incorporate the x1+x2=0. This is what I've done:
x=(x1,x2,x3), y=(y1,y2,y3)
x+y=(x1,x2,x3)+(y1,y2,y3)=(x1+y1, x2+y2, x3+y3)
but how does this relate to x1+x2=0? there is no "x1+x2" to check... Confused please help!
Edit:
Do I simply just show this?
(x1+y1)+(x2+y2)=
(x1+x2)+(y1+y2)=0+0=0 (closed under addition)

cx=c(x1,x2,x3)=(cx1,cx2,cx3)
(cx1+cx2)=
c(x1+x2)=c(0)=0 (closed under scalar multiplication)
So it is a subspace?
 
Last edited:
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csc2iffy said:

Homework Statement


U={(x1,x2,x3)\inℝ3 | x1+x2=0}
Is this a linear subspace of U?
I'm sure this isn't the question. U is a set of vectors. The question is whether U is a linear subspace of R3.
csc2iffy said:

Homework Equations


x1+x2=0


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that in order to be a linear subspace, it must be closed under addition and scalar multiplication. I'm just not really sure how to incorporate the x1+x2=0. This is what I've done:
x=(x1,x2,x3), y=(y1,y2,y3)
x+y=(x1,x2,x3)+(y1,y2,y3)=(x1+y1, x2+y2, x3+y3)
but how does this relate to x1+x2=0? there is no "x1+x2" to check... Confused please help!

The key determinant of whether any vector <x1, x2, x3> is an element of U is whether its first two components of the vector add to 0.

Start with your two vectors x and y, and assume that they are in U. What can you say for certain about these two vectors? What can you say about their sum?

What can you say about kx, where k is a scalar?
 
I think I got it...
Do I simply just show this?
(x1+y1)+(x2+y2)=
(x1+x2)+(y1+y2)=0+0=0 (closed under addition)

cx=c(x1,x2,x3)=(cx1,cx2,cx3)
(cx1+cx2)=
c(x1+x2)=c(0)=0 (closed under scalar multiplication)
Thanks for your help!
 
csc2iffy said:
I think I got it...
Do I simply just show this?
(x1+y1)+(x2+y2)=
(x1+x2)+(y1+y2)=0+0=0 (closed under addition)

cx=c(x1,x2,x3)=(cx1,cx2,cx3)
(cx1+cx2)=
c(x1+x2)=c(0)=0 (closed under scalar multiplication)
Thanks for your help!
You should show a bit more, not just the calculations. For the first part, what you are doing is showing that if x and y are in U, then so is x + y. This shows that U is closed under vector addition.

Similar for the other part.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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