# For x, y in a vector space V, c in F, if cx=0 then c=0?

## Homework Statement

For x, y in a vector space V, c in F, if cx=0 then c=0?
How do you prove this?
This is originally from Friedman, Linear Algebra, p.12.
To prove this, I can use a few facts:

(1) cancellation law
(2) 0, -x are unique
(3) 0x = 0

with basic vector space definition.

## The Attempt at a Solution

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Welcome to PF, julypraise!

## Homework Statement

For x, y in a vector space V, c in F, if cx=0 then c=0?
How do you prove this?
This is originally from Friedman, Linear Algebra, p.12.
To prove this, I can use a few facts:

(1) cancellation law
(2) 0, -x are unique
(3) 0x = 0

with basic vector space definition.

Your proposition is only true for non-zero x.
Should I assume that is an additional constraint?

If so, then to prove it, I suggest the following approach.

Start with: suppose that c≠0, and then multiply with the inverse of c.

Prop. For x in V not equal to 0, c in F, if cx=0 then c=0.

Proof. Suppose c is not equal 0. Then if we times 1/c on the both sides of cx=0
we get 1x = c0 = 0 Therefore x = 0, which is contradiction. QED

Okay it works fairly well. Thx.

I like Serena
Homework Helper
Good!

Actually you get: c-1cx=c-10, therefore 1x=x=0. This is use of the cancellation law.