Proof about linear space, product equal to zero

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a proof in linear algebra concerning a linear space X, where the original poster is tasked with proving that if the product of a scalar λ and a vector x equals zero (λx=0), then either λ must be zero or x must be zero. The participants explore the properties of real numbers and vector spaces in their attempts to understand and prove this statement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove the statement by considering cases where λ equals zero and where λ is not equal to zero, questioning the implications of each case. Some participants suggest using the concept of multiplicative inverses to further the proof. Others express doubts about their understanding and seek clarification on their reasoning.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing hints and feedback on each other's reasoning. There is acknowledgment of the logic presented, but also a call for clearer articulation of the properties being used in the proof. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations and approaches being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints regarding the properties of the vector space that can be used in the proof, and some participants express uncertainty about the definitions and terminology related to the concepts being discussed.

trenekas
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Hello! I have a problem with one proof. The task is:

Suppose that X is linear space, x belongs to X and λ is real number. Proof if λx=0 so λ=0 or x=0. And there are conditions. Can use only this properties μ also is real number:

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I tryed to prove that but completely fails.
Let λ=0. According to d, λx=0
Let x=0. From c and g => λ(0+0)=λ0+λ0. And then i don't know what to do next. And also i think need to prove that if λ and x is not equal to zero when the product of them also not equal to zero.

Thanks for helping!
 
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Hint: if ##\lambda \neq 0##, then ##\lambda## has a multiplicative inverse.
 
jbunniii said:
Hint: if ##\lambda \neq 0##, then ##\lambda## has a multiplicative inverse.
Understand :) Thank you a lot
 
sorry but after few hours i have little doubt about my proof :blushing: so if i missunderstand just say.

if λ=0 then λx=0 according to (d).
if λ isn't equal to zero, then there is a multiplicative inverse. λx=0, λ not equal to zero and μ=1/λ . when μ(λx)=(μλ)x=1x=x. And there is one way, x=0. So if λx=0 then λ=0 or x=0.

its good or not? thanks for answer :)
 
trenekas said:
sorry but after few hours i have little doubt about my proof :blushing: so if i missunderstand just say.

if λ=0 then λx=0 according to (d).
if λ isn't equal to zero, then there is a multiplicative inverse. λx=0, λ not equal to zero and μ=1/λ . when μ(λx)=(μλ)x=1x=x. And there is one way, x=0. So if λx=0 then λ=0 or x=0.

its good or not? thanks for answer :)
Yes, I think the logic is right. You have shown that if ##\lambda x = 0## and ##\lambda \neq 0##, then ##x = 0##. But you should try to state it more clearly, and specify which vector space properties you are using. Something like the following:

Suppose ##\lambda x = 0## and ##\lambda \neq 0##. Then ##\lambda## has a multiplicative inverse, call it ##\mu = \lambda^{-1}##. By property (e), ##\mu(\lambda x) = (\mu \lambda) x = 1x = x##, where the last equality is true because of property (d). But ##\lambda x = 0##, so this means...
 
jbunniii said:
Yes, I think the logic is right. You have shown that if ##\lambda x = 0## and ##\lambda \neq 0##, then ##x = 0##. But you should try to state it more clearly, and specify which vector space properties you are using. Something like the following:

Suppose ##\lambda x = 0## and ##\lambda \neq 0##. Then ##\lambda## has a multiplicative inverse, call it ##\mu = \lambda^{-1}##. By property (e), ##\mu(\lambda x) = (\mu \lambda) x = 1x = x##, where the last equality is true because of property (d). But ##\lambda x = 0##, so this means...
thanks dude very much. Its difficult to me all that write in english because my english isn't very good. in my native language i will try do the best. :)))
 
Hello. I don't want to create another thread so i ask here.

There is task:

"A" is set of Euclidean space and x is "A" point of contact (x belong to Ā, don't know how is calling the set of all points of contact in english.). Need to prove that there is sequence of A elements which converges to x.

I don't have the idea how that prove. I found one theorem but it say that there is sequence of set elements which converges to x when x is borderline point.

If something not understand i'll try to say more cleary if it will be possible. Thanks.
 
trenekas said:
Hello. I don't want to create another thread so i ask here.

There is task:

"A" is set of Euclidean space and x is "A" point of contact (x belong to Ā, don't know how is calling the set of all points of contact in english.). Need to prove that there is sequence of A elements which converges to x.

I don't have the idea how that prove. I found one theorem but it say that there is sequence of set elements which converges to x when x is borderline point.

If something not understand i'll try to say more cleary if it will be possible. Thanks.

It's better to create a new thread if you have a new question, unless it is very closely related to the existing thread.

In English, ##\bar{A}## is usually called the closure of ##A##, and the elements of ##\bar{A}## are sometimes called the points of closure of ##A##. The closure ##\bar{A}## consists of ##A## and all limit points of ##A##.

Here is a hint to get you started: if ##x \in \bar{A}## then either ##x \in A## or ##x## is a limit point of ##A##.

If ##x \in A## then it's trivial to create a sequence in ##A## which converges to ##x##.

If ##x## is a limit point of ##A##, then every neighborhood of ##x## contains an element of ##A## that is different from ##x##. Use that fact to construct a sequence converging to ##x##.
 
omg :D thank you very much :))) you are awesome!
 

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