Proof: S is a Subspace of Vector Space V

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the conditions under which a subset S of a vector space V can be considered a subspace. Participants explore the implications of S not being a vector space and the logical structure of proofs related to subspaces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the validity of assuming that if S is not a vector space, then V cannot be a vector space. There are discussions about the nature of subsets and the definitions of vector spaces. Some participants provide counterexamples to challenge the original assertions.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored. Some participants have suggested counterexamples to illustrate their points, while others are clarifying definitions and logical implications. There is no explicit consensus yet on the original claim regarding subspaces.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of notation regarding subsets, with some participants clarifying the difference between improper and proper subsets. The discussion also touches on the closure axioms required for S to be a subspace.

Dustinsfl
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If [tex]S\subseteq V[/tex] and V is a vector space, then S is a vector space.

Assume S isn't a vector space. Since S isn't a vector space, then V isn't a vector space; however, V is a vector space. By contradiction, S is a subspace.

Correct?
 
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Since S isn't a vector space, then V isn't a vector space

Why is this true?
 
Suppose V = R3 and S = {(x, y, z)| x + y - 2z = 3}. S is clearly a subset of V, but is S a subspace of V?
 
VeeEight said:
Why is this true?

I said assume S isn't a vector space.

We have [tex]P\rightarrow Q\equiv P\and\sim Q[/tex]

I don't know why the latex is looking messed up but that is supposed to say P and not Q is equivalent to P implies Q
 
Which one is A? You started out with S and V.
 
Mark44 said:
Which one is A? You started out with S and V.

I meant S.
 
P ==> Q <===> ~P ==> ~Q
but you haven't shown that, given that S isn't a subspace, somehow this implies that V is not a subspace. In other words, if S is not a subspace, why does it necessarily follow that V is not a subspace? In fact, you are really concluding the opposite.

I think you are mixing up a proof by the contrapositive with a proof by contradiction.

See post #3.
 
I was using de morgan's laws which says p implies q is equiv to ~p or q which is equiv to p and ~ q.

That is why I assumed q (S isn't a vector space).
 
Based on your original post, here are P and Q.
P: [itex]S\subseteq V[/itex] and V is a vector space
Q: S is a vector space

Forget deMorgan - look at post #3.
 
  • #10
Dustinsfl said:
If [tex]S\subseteq V[/tex] and V is a vector space, then S is a vector space.

Assume S isn't a vector space. Since S isn't a vector space, then V isn't a vector space; however, V is a vector space. By contradiction, S is a subspace.

Correct?

I don't know if this way change anything but it should be worded like so:

If [tex]S\subseteq V[/tex] of a vector space V, then S is a vector space.
 
  • #11
Take Mark's counterexample (or some other counterexample you can think of), that is the best approach.
 
  • #12
VeeEight said:
Take Mark's counterexample (or some other counterexample you can think of), that is the best approach.

The answer is supposed to be true so taking a counterexample seems counter-intuitive.
 
  • #13
S is defined as an improper subset of V; so if V is a vector space, S must be as well.
 
  • #14
Squeezebox said:
S is defined as an improper subset of V; so if V is a vector space, S must be as well.

For all we know, it could be a proper subset too. That was just the notation I used.
 
  • #15
Dustinsfl said:
For all we know, it could be a proper subset too. That was just the notation I used.

Then it is false. There is one vector that S can exclude yet still retain it's subset status. Think of the definition of a vector space.
 
  • #16
Squeezebox said:
Then it is false. There is one vector that S can exclude yet still retain it's subset status. Think of the definition of a vector space.

Look at post #3, which has been said a few times now.
 
  • #17
Dustinsfl said:
The answer is supposed to be true so taking a counterexample seems counter-intuitive.

The answer was true so I am not to sure about finding a counterexample as being the correct method.
 
  • #18
But a counterexample *does* exist. Therefore, the statement is false (assuming it was meant to be universally true). The statement is true if and only if S also satisfies the closure axioms of a vector space under the operations of addition and multiplication as defined by V (assuming S is a nonempty subset of V).
 
Last edited:
  • #19
Squeezebox said:
S is defined as an improper subset of V; so if V is a vector space, S must be as well.
Not true. Not all subsets of vector spaces are themselves subspaces. Here's another example, with V = R2. Let S = {(x, y} | y = 1}.
[itex]S~\subseteq V[/itex], and V is a vector space, but S is not a subspace.
 
  • #20
Mark44 said:
Not true. Not all subsets of vector spaces are themselves subspaces. Here's another example, with V = R2. Let S = {(x, y} | y = 1}.
[itex]S~\subseteq V[/itex], and V is a vector space, but S is not a subspace.

I said S was an improper subset.
 
  • #21
Squeezebox said:
S is defined as an improper subset of V; so if V is a vector space, S must be as well.
Where was "S defined as an improper subset of V"?
 
  • #22
Squeezebox said:
S is defined as an improper subset of V; so if V is a vector space, S must be as well.

Dustinsfl said:
For all we know, it could be a proper subset too. That was just the notation I used.

Squeezebox said:
Then it is false. There is one vector that S can exclude yet still retain it's subset status. Think of the definition of a vector space.



There you go guys. I said it was improper because of the notation, then I took it back. Sorry to offend you guys by saying something stupid.
 
  • #23
No offense taken, just trying to clear up incorrect information. In this problem it doesn't matter whether it said [itex]S \subset V[/itex] or [itex]S \subsetex V[/itex]. The latter notation means "S is a subset of V or is equal to V." S can still be a proper subset of V without contradicting this statement.
 

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