Subspace of R2 involving absolute value

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether a specific set of vectors in R², defined by the condition |x1| = |x2|, forms a subspace. Participants are analyzing the implications of this condition and exploring examples to test the closure properties of the set under addition and scalar multiplication.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are examining specific vector examples to assess whether they belong to the proposed subspace and whether their sums also satisfy the subspace condition. Questions arise about the implications of the absolute value condition and the necessity for components to be equal or opposites.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning the original poster's understanding of the subspace definition and offering counterexamples to illustrate potential misunderstandings. There is a focus on clarifying the conditions under which vectors belong to the subspace.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted typo in the original problem statement, which has led to confusion regarding the condition defining the subspace. Participants are also discussing the implications of different vector pairs and their sums in relation to the subspace criteria.

Mdhiggenz
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Homework Statement



{(x1,x2)T| |x2|=|x2|}

So my first thought is we would have to check for both cases (x1,x1) and (-x1,-x1)

a=(x1,x1)T b=(v1,v1)T


βa=(βx1,βx1)T for the case where a<0 βa(-βx1,-βx1)T

thus it is closed under scalar multiplication.

a+b=(x1+v1,x1+v1) for the case where a and b<0 [-(x1+v1,x1+v1)]T
thus closed under addition.

I would think this would be a subset, however the book says this is false. Where did I go wrong?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You are basically ignoring the absolute value. Are (1,1) and (1,-1) in your subspace? How about the sum?
 
No because a+b would give you (2,0) and x1 and x2 have to be equal?
 
Mdhiggenz said:
No because a+b would give you (2,0) and x1 and x2 have to be equal?

No, because |2| is not equal |0|. You don't have to have x1=x2 to be in the subspace. x1=(-x2) also works. But (2,0) doesn't fit either one.
 
Mdhiggenz said:

Homework Statement



{(x1,x2)T| |x2|=|x2|}
Did you really mean |x2| = |x2| ?
 
Oops that was a typo it was suppose to be |x1|=|x2|.

Also Dick, I'm a bit confused on why you chose (1,1) (1,-1)
 
Mdhiggenz said:
Oops that was a typo it was suppose to be |x1|=|x2|.

Also Dick, I'm a bit confused on why you chose (1,1) (1,-1)

I was just trying to find two vectors in your set which didn't sum to be something in the set. Choosing one that satisfies x1=x2 and another that satisfies x1=(-x2) will do it. Nothing special about the 1's.
 
But they must be equal? for instance we could use (2,2) and (2,-2) or (-2,2) and (2,2)
 
Mdhiggenz said:
But they must be equal? for instance we could use (2,2) and (2,-2) or (-2,2) and (2,2)

(1,1) and (3,-3) work fine too. Their sum isn't in the set either.
 

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