Problem of the Week #69 - September 23rd, 2013

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The problem involves proving that for an exact sequence of finite dimensional K-vector spaces and K-linear maps, the alternating sum of their dimensions equals zero. The suggested approach is to use induction on the number of spaces, n. A hint indicates that if the sequence is exact, then a related sequence involving the kernel of the last map is also exact. The problem was successfully solved by a participant named johng, who provided an alternative solution without using induction. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the properties of exact sequences in linear algebra.
Chris L T521
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Here's this week's problem.

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Problem: Suppose we are given an exact sequence of finite dimensional $K$-vector spaces and $K$-linear maps:
\[0\rightarrow V_1\rightarrow V_2\rightarrow\cdots\rightarrow V_n\rightarrow 0.\]
Prove that
\[\sum\limits_{i=1}^n (-1)^i\dim(V_i) = 0.\]

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Hint: [sp]Use induction on $n$. Note that if $V_1\xrightarrow{\phantom{xx}\phi_1\phantom{xx}}{}V_2\xrightarrow{\phantom{xx}\phi_2\phantom{xx}}{}V_3\xrightarrow{\phantom{xx}\phi_3\phantom{xx}}{}V_4$ is exact, then so is $V_1\rightarrow V_2\rightarrow \ker(\phi_3)\rightarrow 0$.[/sp]

 
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This week's problem was correctly answered by johng. You can find his solution below.

[sp]I see no need to induct. Here's my solution:

2hs69g0.png
[/sp]
 

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