Proving 0v=0 using only the 10 Axioms

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the proof of the equation 0v=0 using a specified set of axioms related to vector spaces. Participants explore the validity of various reasoning steps and the application of axioms in proving this statement, as well as addressing related proofs involving equality and operations on vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the justification for subtracting 0v from both sides in the proof of 0v=0, suggesting that no axiom supports this step.
  • Another participant proposes an alternative approach to prove 0v=0 using the equation 0v + (-0v) = 0, leading to a conclusion that 0v = 0.
  • Concerns are raised about a different proof involving the equality a + c = b + c, where participants argue that the reasoning used to add (-c) to both sides lacks justification according to the axioms.
  • Some participants assert that adding an element to both sides of an equality is a fundamental property of equality, not requiring a specific axiom.
  • There is a contention regarding whether the statement a + c = b + c implies a = b can be proven using axioms, with some arguing that it cannot be proven without assumptions.
  • One participant attempts to construct a proof for a = b using axioms, but another challenges the validity of the steps taken, suggesting that the proof relies on the very statement it aims to prove.
  • Discussions also touch on the interpretation of axiom 5, with participants clarifying its implications regarding the relationship between elements in a vector space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement on the validity of certain reasoning steps and the necessity of axioms for operations involving equality. There is no consensus on whether the proofs presented are valid or if the axioms sufficiently support the claims made.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the reasoning presented, particularly regarding the justification of operations on both sides of an equation and the implications of axioms in proving statements about vector spaces.

torquerotates
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Well, I'm supposed to prove 0v=0

It is stated that I'm only allowed to use the following axioms.

let a,b,c be vectors and V is a vector space, then
1)a&b is in V then a+b is in V
2)a+b=b+a
3)a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c
4)0+a=a+0=a
5)a+(-a)=(-a)+a=0
6)a is in V implies ka is in V
7)k(a+b)=ka+kb
8)(k+m)a=ka+ma
9)k(ma)=(km)a
10) 1a=a

The book does it like this, and i think its wrong

0v=(0+0)v=0v +0v { axioms 4&8}

now subtract 0v from both sides { axioms ?}
we get 0=0v

you see the problem here? there's no justification for the subtraction step because there is no axiom allowing the step. Logically I assume that I'm only allowed to use the 10 axioms to prove this theorem.
 
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Actually I figured it out

0v=(0+0)v=0v+0v

Now I just use another equation that has nothing to do with the first.
namely, 0v+(-0v)=0
well, this implies 0v+(-0v)=0=(0v+0v)+(-0v)
implies 0=0v+(0v+-0v)=0v+0=0v
 
But I was working on another problem in which the author uses incorrect reasoning.

authors' proof:
Prove: if a+c=b+c, then a=b
(a+c)+(-c)=(b+c)+(-c) add (-c) to both sides
a+(c-c)=b+(c-c)
a+0=b+0
a=b

you see how in this example, (-c) was actually added to both sides. There is no way to justify this according to the 10 axioms.
 
you don't need a axiom to add an element to both sides of a equallity, that is how it works.

That is if

a = b then a+c=b+c

this is not a axiom, this is how equality works, he proves that

a = b if and only if a+c=b+c
 
You will do a lot better in math if you stop assuming anytime you don't understand something, the author is wrong.

You don't have to have an axiom that says "if a= b then a+ c= b+ c", that's part of the definition of "binary operation" and is assumed whenever you have a binary operation.
 
Its not a+c=b+c iff a=b. Its a+c=b+c implies a=b. If it is just a binary operation,(I presume you guys to mean it is a definition), then why can it be proved using axioms only? No assumptions are needed except the hypothesis. Having the need to create a definition merely indicates that the statement cannot be proven.proof: (a+c)+(-(a+c))=0 ax.5
(a+c)+(-(b+c))=0 hypothesis
(a+c)+((-b)+(-c)))=0 ax.7
(a+c)+((-c)+(-b))=0 ax2
((a+c)+(-c))+(-b)=0 ax3
(a+(c+(-c)))+(-b)=0 ax3
(a+0)+ (-b) =0 ax5
(a)+(-b)=0 ax.4
a=b ax.5
 
in your last step from

(a)+(-b)=0 ax.4

to

a=b ax.5

what do you use there?

yep, you are right you use what you are trying to prove (a+c=b+c implies a=b), just with
a -> a+(-b)
b-> 0
c-> b

so you haven't proved anything
 
ax. 5 says

a+(-a)=(-a)+a=0

not

a+(-b)= 0 => b=a
 
I see. Well how about this:

a=a+0 ax4
a=a+(c+(-c)) ax5
a=(a+c)+(-c) ax3
a=(b+c)+(-c) hypothesis
a=b+(c+(-c)) ax3
a=b+0 ax5
a=b ax4

Well? Haven't I disproven that the binary operation is "merely" a definition?
 
  • #10
Well, in the defense of the last step my first proof,
a+(-b)=0

b+0=b=(a+(-b))+(b)=a+(b+(-b))=a+0=a ax.4,3,5&4 in order form left to right.
therefore a=b
 

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