How Do Proofs for Vector Spaces Over Finite Fields Work?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proofs of theorems related to vector spaces over finite fields, specifically focusing on the number of bases in such spaces and the relationship between a subset and its orthogonal complement. The scope includes theoretical aspects and applications in coding theory.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help in finding proofs for theorems regarding vector spaces over GF(q), specifically the number of bases and the relationship between dimensions of a subset and its orthogonal complement.
  • Another participant suggests considering the steps involved in choosing a basis, questioning how many ways one can select vectors while avoiding linear dependence.
  • Clarification is sought on the notation F^{n}_{q} and the meaning of as the span of S.
  • One participant asserts that Theorem 2 holds true in any finite-dimensional vector space over any field.
  • Concerns are raised about the validity of certain concepts over finite fields, particularly regarding the notion of orthonormal bases and the definition of orthogonal complements.
  • Another participant proposes picking a complementary subspace or using the quotient space to understand the relationship between S and its orthogonal complement.
  • Discussion includes the definition of the annihilator of S and its implications for dimensions in the context of dual spaces.
  • A participant expresses confusion over the notation for the annihilator and its distinction from the space of vectors orthogonal to S.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of Theorem 2 in coding theory and discusses the implications of inner product definitions over finite fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the applicability of certain concepts over finite fields, particularly regarding orthonormal bases and the definition of orthogonal complements. There is no consensus on the interpretation of these concepts, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the definitions and properties of vector spaces over finite fields, particularly concerning inner products and orthogonality. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the notation and concepts involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in vector spaces, finite fields, coding theory, and the mathematical properties of orthogonal complements may find this discussion relevant.

jOc3
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It's hard to find the proofs of these theorems. Please help me... Thanks!

Theorem 1: Let V be a vector space over GF(q). If dim(V)=k, then V has [tex]\frac{1}{k!}[/tex] [tex]\prod^{k-1}_{i=0}[/tex] (q[tex]^{k}[/tex]-q[tex]^{i}[/tex]) different bases.

Theorem 2: Let S be a subset of F[tex]^{n}_{q}[/tex], then we have dim(<S>)+dim(S[tex]^{\bot}[/tex])=n.
 
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think about the steps involved in choosing a basis. then the numbet of bases is the number of ways to carry out these steps.

first choose any non zero vector. how many ways?

then afterwrads chooise avector that is not on the line through that one - hiw many ways?...
 
What is F[itex]^{n}_{q}[/itex]? An n-dimensional innerproduct space over GF(q)? And is <S> the span of S?

My thoughts: get an orthonormal basis for <S>, and extend this to one for F[itex]^{n}_{q}[/itex]. The new vectors you add will probably be an o.n. basis for S[itex]^{\perp}[/itex].
 
thm 2 is true in any vector space of finite dimn. over any field.
 
morphism said:
My thoughts: get an orthonormal basis for <S>

This doesn't make sense over a finite field (or any field of positive characteristic).
 
matt grime said:
This doesn't make sense over a finite field (or any field of positive characteristic).
I was wondering about this also. What is S[itex]^\perp[/itex] over a finite field?
 
Just pick any complementary subspace, or take the quotient space.
 
Sperp is the subspace of the dual space that annihilates S. equivalently, it is the dual space of the quotient by <S>, which is why matt's hint gives the right dimension.
 
Ah, my bad. I wasn't familiar with that notation for the annihilator of S. I thought it was the space of vectors orthogonal to S.
 
  • #10
I need the proof for theorem2,too.

I know that theorem2 is an important property in coding theory.

(Fq)^n is the direct product over (Fq)^n (similar with R^n over R)


the S-perp in (Fq)^n have the same definition.

But the defition of inner space (over finite field) may not need <x,x> > 0.
I think the most important point is that the intersecton of C and C-perp may not be zero.
(i.e. it is possible that <x,x>=0 for some x =/= 0 in (Fq)^n)

Actually, in the language of coding. If C is a subspace of (Fq)^n with dim(C)=k,
C-perp = {x in C| x(G)' = 0 in (Fq)^k} where G is the generator matrix,(G)' : transpose of G
but I don't which is useful or not!:)
 

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