Prove $$T_{p}M$$ is a vector space with the axioms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the tangent space $$T_{p}M$$ at a point $$p$$ on a manifold $$M$$ is a vector space by using the axioms of vector spaces. Participants explore definitions and properties related to tangent vectors and their operations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant outlines the axioms of a vector space and seeks to prove that $$T_{p}M$$ satisfies these axioms.
  • Another participant questions the definition of the tangent space and asks for clarification on what elements of $$T_{p}M$$ look like.
  • A participant provides several definitions related to differentiability and tangent vectors, including the definition of tangent vectors as operators on differentiable functions.
  • Another participant critiques the earlier definitions, stating they do not clarify the relationship between tangent vectors and suggests defining operations such as vector addition and scalar multiplication to establish a vector space structure.
  • There is a suggestion to consider curves on $$M$$ through $$p$$ to calculate tangent vectors and demonstrate the linearity of the operations defined.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of the definitions provided for tangent vectors and the necessary steps to establish that $$T_{p}M$$ is a vector space. There is no consensus on the definitions or the approach to proving the vector space properties.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for clear definitions and relationships between tangent vectors, as well as the operations that would allow the set of tangent vectors to satisfy vector space axioms. Some assumptions about differentiability and the nature of tangent vectors remain implicit.

Delong66
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Suppose M is a manifold and $$T_{p}M$$ is the tangent space at a point $$p \in M$$. How do i prove that it is indeed a vector space using the axioms:
Suppose that u,v, w $$\in V$$. where u,v, w are vectors and $$\V$$ is a vector space

$$u + v \in V \tag{Closure under addition}$$

$$u + v = v + u \tag{Commutative property}$$

$$u + (v+w)=(u+v)+w \tag{Associative property}$$

V has a zero vector 0 such that for every $$\u \in \V$$, $$u+0=u$$. $$\tag{Additive identity}$$

For every $$u \in V$$, there is a vector in V denoted by −u such that u+(−u)=0. $$\tag{Additive inverse}$$

Now let's also assume that $$c,d \in \mathbb R$$

$$cu \in V \tag{Closure under scalar multiplication}$$

$$c(u+v)=cu+cv \tag{Distributive property}$$

$$(c+d)u=cu+du \tag{Distributive property}$$

$$c(du)=(cd)u \tag{Associative property}$$

$$1(u)=u \tag{Scalar identity}$$
 
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You listed the axioms of a vector space, but how do you define the tangent space? What does an element of ##T_pM## look like?
 
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Definition 1: Suppose M a differentiable manifold and $$p\in M$$.
A funtion $$f:M \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$$ is differentiable at $$p \in M$$ iff $$\exists U_p \subset M$$ : $$f:U_p \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$$ is differentiable.

Definition 2:Dp ={set of all differentiable functions at p in M}

Definition 3: Suppose M a differentiable manifold and $$p\in M$$.
A tangent vector at $$p\in M$$ is an operator $$v:D_p \rightarrow \mathbb{R} \quad : \quad f \mapsto v(f)$$ with
i) $$v(mf+ng)=mv(f)+nv(g) \quad \forall f,g \in D_p$$
ii)$$v(fg)=v(f)g(p)+f(p)v(g) \quad \forall f,g \in D_p$$
\
Definition 4: TpM={set of all tangent vectors at p in M}
 
Definitions 1 and 2 define the differentiability at points of ##M,## i.e. differential functions, not their tangents.

Definition 3 defines one tangent vector, definition 4 defines the set of all tangent vectors. However, it does not tell anything about the relation between two such operators ##v## and ##w.## We now have a set, nothing more. How do we make this set a vector space?

We need to define ##v+w## so we set: ##(v+w)(f):=v(f)+w(f)## and ##(\alpha v)(f):=\alpha \cdot v(f).##
This makes the set of derivations, the operators, a linear space. The axioms follow automatically.

If you want to calculate something, then consider curves on ##M## through ##p## and calculate actual tangent vectors and show that ##D_p(v+w)(f)=D_p(v)(f)+D_p(w)(f).## You can also use the coordinate directions and partial derivatives:
$$
D_p(v)(f)=\sum_{i=1}^n\, v_i\, \frac{\partial f}{\partial x_i}(p)
$$
This could also help (##p=x_0, J=D, J## for Jacobi matrix)
https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/pantheon-derivatives-part-ii/
 
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