Proving that V is a Subspace of P4(x) and Calculating its Dimension

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the set V, defined as V={(X^2+X+1)p(x) : p(x) ∈ P2(x)}, is a subspace of the polynomial space P4(x). Participants are tasked with demonstrating closure under addition and scalar multiplication, identifying a basis, and determining the dimension of V.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to show that V is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, with some suggesting specific forms for p(x) and discussing the implications of these forms. Questions arise regarding the correct identification of the basis and dimension of V.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing exploration of the properties of V, with some participants providing insights into the necessary conditions for closure and the existence of the zero vector. Multiple interpretations of the basis and dimension are being discussed, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions of polynomial spaces and the implications of polynomial degrees, with some uncertainty about the dimensionality of the subspace V and the specific forms of the polynomials involved.

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1. Let V={(X^2+X+1)p(x) : p(x) \in P2(x)}
Show that V is a subspace of P4(x). Display a basis, with a proof. What is the dimension of V?
2.
3. I started to try to figure out how to prove that V is a subspace of P4, but I'm not sure how.

To show that it is closed under addition:
p(x)=x^2 is in P2(x)
(x^2+x+1)(x^2)+(a^2+a+1)(a^2)
x^4+x^3+x^2+a^4+a^3+a^2 is in P4, because no exponent is greater than 4.

The zero vector is if p(x) = 0

And then I'm not sure how to show that multiplication is closed
 
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nautolian said:
1. Let V={(X^2+X+1)p(x) : p(x) \in P2(x)}
Show that V is a subspace of P4(x). Display a basis, with a proof. What is the dimension of V?



2.



3. I started to try to figure out how to prove that V is a subspace of P4, but I'm not sure how.

To show that it is closed under addition:
p(x)=x^2 is in P2(x)
Yes, but p(x) is supposed to represent any arbitrary function in P2(x), which could be a polynomial of degree 2 or degree 1, depending on how your text defines P2(x).

In any case you need to look at (x2 + x + 1)*p(x), where p(x) is some arbitrary polynomial in P2.
nautolian said:
(x^2+x+1)(x^2)+(a^2+a+1)(a^2)
?
nautolian said:
x^4+x^3+x^2+a^4+a^3+a^2 is in P4, because no exponent is greater than 4.

The zero vector is if p(x) = 0

And then I'm not sure how to show that multiplication is closed
That would be multiplication by a scalar.
 
So I can prove it is closed under scalar multiplication by saying k(x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c) is still in P4. Also would the basis be {x^4, x^3, x^2, x, 1} of dim(5)?
 
nautolian said:
So I can prove it is closed under scalar multiplication by saying k(x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c) is still in P4. Also would the basis be {x^4, x^3, x^2, x, 1} of dim(5)?

You have to prove three things :

1. V≠∅ or similarily, 0\inV.
2. V is closed under addition.
3. V is closed under scalar multiplication.

Start by showing that 0 is in V because in most cases it will help you with part 2 and 3.
 
Can't I just say that since 0 is in P2, then (x^2+x+1)(0)=0 is in P4?
Does how I proved scalar multiplication before work?
To prove scalar addition can't I say that (x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c)+(x^2+x+1)(ex^2+fx+g) is still in P4? Thanks for your help. But I also just want to double check with that basis and dim(5) that i stated earlier to see if that's right?
 
nautolian said:
Can't I just say that since 0 is in P2, then (x^2+x+1)(0)=0 is in P4?
Does how I proved scalar multiplication before work?
To prove scalar addition can't I say that (x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c)+(x^2+x+1)(ex^2+fx+g) is still in P4? Thanks for your help. But I also just want to double check with that basis and dim(5) that i stated earlier to see if that's right?

Yes, dim(P4) = 5. In fact, you can say in general that dim(Pn) = n+1.

Now as for your question. I want to make sure that I know what you're asking.

V={(x2+x+1)p(x) | p(x) ∈ P2}
Show that V is a subspace of P4. Display a basis, with a proof. What is the dimension of V?

Fixed that up a bit so I could be more clear. Is this correct?
 
Last edited:
yes that is is correct, thanks
 
So V is the set containing all polynomials of the form (x2+x+1)p(x) where p(x) is a polynomial of degree of at most 2.

So any general p(x) has the form ax2 + bx + c and any general element in V has the form (x2 + x + 1)(ax2 + bx + c).

Indeed to show V≠∅, argue that the zero polynomial of P4... ( I'll leave this to you ).

To show additive closure, pick two arbitrary polynomials in V, (x2 + x + 1)(ax2 + bx + c) and (x2 + x + 1)(dx2 + ex + f) and show that their sum must also lie inside V.

To show scalar closure, pick an arbitrary polynomial in V, (x2 + x + 1)(ax2 + bx + c) and some arbitrary scalar in ℂ and show that even after multiplying them together, the product must still be inside V.
 
nautolian said:
So I can prove it is closed under scalar multiplication by saying k(x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c) is still in P4. Also would the basis be {x^4, x^3, x^2, x, 1} of dim(5)?

Multiply out (x^2+x+1)(ax^2+bx+c). The subspace CAN'T be five dimensional. It only has 3 free parameters! Write it as a*(...)+b*(...)+c*(...). Fill in the (...).
 
  • #10
How can it not be five dimensional if you multiply it out you get:

a(x^4+x^3+x^2)+b(X^3+x^2+x)+c(x^2+x+1)

Wait. so you can use that as a basis. I see, thanks a lot. Just out of curiosity though, how would you prove that the zero vector exists.
 
  • #11
Take a= b= c= 0 so that (x^2+x+1)p(x)= (x^2+ x+ 1)(0x^2+ 0x+ 0)= 0, of course.
 

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