Subsets and subspaces of vector spaces

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the subset T = {(1,1,1),(0,0,1)} in R^3 and whether it qualifies as a subspace. The original poster attempts to prove that T is a subspace by checking conditions for addition and scalar multiplication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the conditions for a subset to be a subspace, questioning whether the sum of the vectors and scalar multiples remain within the set T. Some participants raise concerns about the original poster's reasoning regarding the inclusion of certain vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring the definitions and properties of subspaces. There is no explicit consensus yet, as some participants challenge the original poster's claims and seek clarification on the definitions involved.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the need for the exact wording of the problem, indicating that the original poster may not have fully captured the requirements for proving a subspace. Additionally, the discussion hints at potential misunderstandings regarding the definitions of vector addition and scalar multiplication in the context of subspaces.

gtfitzpatrick
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Homework Statement



T = {(1,1,1),(0,0,1)} is a subset of R[tex]^{3}[/tex] but not a subspace

sol

i have to prove it holds for addition and scalar multiplication

so let x=(1,1,1) and y =(0,0,1) so x+y = (1,1,2)

so it holds

let [tex]\alpha[/tex] = a scalar
then [tex]\alpha[/tex]x = ([tex]\alpha[/tex],[tex]\alpha[/tex],[tex]\alpha[/tex])
and [tex]\alpha[/tex]y = (0,0,[tex]\alpha[/tex])

so that holds.

i think I've shown that it is a subpace but the question says it isnt?
 
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I don't think you have given us the exact wording of this problem. The two vectors you gave are a basis for and span a two-dimension subspace of R^3.
 


Thinking about this some more, you have a set T with two vectors in it. With x and y as before, is x + y in the set? Is cx in the set for an arbitrary scalar?
 


i think they are in the set, x+y = (1,1,2) which is in R^3 and cx= (c,c,c) which is also in R^3 for any scalar c
 


gtfitzpatrick said:
i think they are in the set, x+y = (1,1,2) which is in R^3 and cx= (c,c,c) which is also in R^3 for any scalar c
The set T is {(1, 1, 1), (0, 0, 1)}. How can you say that x + y is in this set? If c = 2, is c(1, 1, 1) in this set?
 


am i not just to show that they are in R^3?
 


Do you know the definition of a subspace of a vector space?
 

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