Prove coordinate vectors are unique for given basis

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the uniqueness of coordinate vectors for a vector space Vn with respect to a given basis B={b1,b2,...,bn}. Participants emphasize the importance of assuming the opposite of uniqueness to demonstrate that two different linear combinations of the basis vectors must yield the same coefficients. This approach relies on fundamental properties of basis vectors, specifically their linear independence. The conclusion drawn is that if a vector can be expressed in two different ways, the coefficients must be identical, confirming the uniqueness of the representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector spaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with linear combinations and coefficients
  • Knowledge of the concept of basis in linear algebra
  • Ability to apply proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of linear independence in vector spaces
  • Learn about proof techniques in mathematics, focusing on proof by contradiction
  • Explore the concept of basis and dimension in linear algebra
  • Investigate examples of coordinate vectors in different vector spaces
USEFUL FOR

Students of linear algebra, educators teaching vector spaces, and anyone interested in understanding the foundational concepts of coordinate systems in mathematics.

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Homework Statement


Prove that the coordinates of a vector v in a vector space Vn are unique with respect to a given basis B={b1,b2,...,bn}


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The Attempt at a Solution


not sure at all what to do with this
 
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OK, this is very straightforward. Assume you can represent a vector v as two linear combinations of the basis vectors with different coefficients. After that you only need to use a fundamental property of the basis vectors and that's it.
 
Well you want to show that it's unique. A strategy that's good for this kind of proof is to assume the opposite, work with that assumption, and then arrive at something that shows that it must be unique.

To get started:
Well what's the opposite of being unique? How about we assume that a vector can be represented by this basis in two different ways as a linear combination but with different constants. What do you think you can do with this? Think about how you could manipulate this to show that the constants must be the same. You'll need to know properties of a basis to make it work.
 

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