Showing a function forms a vector space.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the equation 4x - y = 7 constitutes a vector space. Participants are examining the properties of this equation in relation to the axioms of vector spaces.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the closure properties under addition and scalar multiplication as they relate to the equation. There is confusion about how the results of these operations yield values that do not satisfy the original equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the nature of the equation versus a function and the implications for vector space properties. There is an ongoing exploration of definitions and the conditions required for a set to be considered a vector space.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of needing to be careful with definitions, as the original poster's phrasing may have led to misunderstandings about the nature of the equation and the set it describes.

schlynn
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Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?


Homework Equations


All axioms relating to vector spaces.


The Attempt at a Solution



x_n for example means x with the subscript n

The book says that the function isn't closed under addition. So it continues by showing that given 2 points, (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) that when you add 4x_1-y_1=7 and 4x_2-y_2=7 you get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, how did they get the values for the problem to see that it sums to 14 and not 7? The case for multiplication show: 4x_1-y_1=7, they used 3 as the scalar to show: 3(4x_1-y_1)=12x_1-3y_1, that part makes sense, but then again they say that the right side is 3x7, and I don't see how they got those values.
 
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schlynn said:

Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?


Homework Equations


All axioms relating to vector spaces.


The Attempt at a Solution



x_n for example means x with the subscript n

The book says that the function isn't closed under addition. So it continues by showing that given 2 points, (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) that when you add 4x_1-y_1=7 and 4x_2-y_2=7 you get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, how did they get the values for the problem to see that it sums to 14 and not 7?
You have ##4x_1-y_1 = 7## and ##4x_2-y_2=7##. What do you get when you add those two equations?

The case for multiplication show: 4x_1-y_1=7, they used 3 as the scalar to show: 3(4x_1-y_1)=12x_1-3y_1, that part makes sense, but then again they say that the right side is 3x7, and I don't see how they got those values.
 
You get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, which obviously isn't equal to 7, but does that then mean that all linear function ax+by=c is not a vector space for all c not equal to 0? Because c+c is always not equal to zero except when c=0 right?
 
Yup.
 
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Oh, ok, thanks, was just over-thinking it I guess then, it's apparent now, thank you.
 
schlynn said:

Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?

You certainly weren't overthinking when you phrased your question. ##4x-y=7## is an equation, not a function. And a function doesn't constitute a vector space. As you proceed in your course you are going to have to be more careful with definitions so you know what you are trying to prove or disprove. Perhaps you meant to ask something like: Does the set ##S=\{(x,y)|4x-y=7\}## consitute a vector space with the usual operations?
 
LCKurtz said:
As you proceed in your course you are going to have to be more careful with definitions so you know what you are trying to prove or disprove. Perhaps you meant to ask something like: Does the set ##S=\{(x,y)|4x-y=7\}## consitute a vector space with the usual operations?
I had the same thoughts.
 

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