# Linear Algebra: Vector space axioms

1. Dec 13, 2006

### preet

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
One of the fundamental axioms that must hold true for a set of elements to be considered a vector space is as follows:
1*x = x

I was given a particular space: The set of all polynomials of degree greater than or equal to three, and zero, and asked to evaluate whether or not it was a vector space or not. The one that doesn't hold true is 1*x=x (according to the solutions), but I don't understand why. I can't find a situation where the above axiom holds true. Could anyone help me out?

Thanks
Preet

2. Dec 13, 2006

### StatusX

I'd check the solutions again. The problem is closure under vector addition.

3. Dec 14, 2006

### dextercioby

The set of vectors and the vector addition must form an abelian group. That is true for those polynomials. However, your polynomial space lacks the "null/zero vector"; since we know that the scalar zero times any vector from your set should give the zero vector. Since the zero vector is not an element of the space, it follows that the polynomials' space plus vector addition plus scalar multiplication do not yield a vector space.

Daniel.

4. Dec 14, 2006

### AKG

Daniel, the original post says that zero is an element of the set. The problem is indeed vector addition, since $x^3 + (-x^3 + 1) = 1$, for exampl.

5. Dec 14, 2006

### dextercioby

Yes, of course.

Daniel.