Determining if vectors in R3 are linear subspaces

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether the set U = {(x1, x2, x3) ∈ ℝ³ | x1 + x2 = 0} qualifies as a linear subspace of ℝ³. Participants are exploring the conditions required for a set to be a linear subspace, specifically focusing on closure under addition and scalar multiplication.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how the condition x1 + x2 = 0 relates to the properties of closure under addition and scalar multiplication. There is a focus on verifying whether the sum of two vectors in U remains in U and how scalar multiplication affects membership in U.

Discussion Status

Some participants have made progress in their reasoning, suggesting that they can demonstrate closure under addition and scalar multiplication. However, there is still a call for more thorough justification beyond mere calculations, indicating that the discussion is ongoing and evolving.

Contextual Notes

There is some confusion regarding the interpretation of the set U and whether it is being considered as a subspace of ℝ³ or itself. Participants are encouraged to clarify their understanding of the definitions involved.

csc2iffy
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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.
 

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