Linear Independence: Proving Dependence & Independence of Vectors, Sets

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 2K views
hkus10
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
1) Let u and v be nonzero vectors in a vector space V. show that u and v are linearly dependent if and only if there is a scalar k such that v = ku. Equivalently, u and v are linearly independent if and only if neither vector is a multiple of the other.

2) Let S = {v1, v2, ..., vk} be a set of vectors in a vector space V. Prove that S is linearly dependent if and only if one of the vectors in S is a linear combination of all the other vectors in S.

For these two questions, I know I have to prove them in both directions because of "if and only of". However, how to approach this problem? what Thms or definition should I use to prove them?

3) Let S = {v1, v2, ..., vk} be a set of vectors in a vector space V, and let W be a subspace of V containing S. Show that W contains span S.

For question 3, does "W be a subspace of V containing S" mean W contains S? If yes, what is the reason to show it?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org