Does V = {RXR} Satisfy the Vector Space Condition?

In summary, the vector space condition for each x in V having a corresponding y in V such that x + y = 0 fails for the V defined above due to a lack of an additive identity and additive inverses. The additive identity for this space is (0,1) and the additive inverse of (a,0) is (-a,1/0).
  • #1
Catchfire
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0

Homework Statement


Let V = {RXR} with addition defined as (a1,a2) + (b1,b2) = (a1 + b1, a2b2)

Show the vector space condition, for each x in V there exists a y in V such that x + y = 0, fails for the V defined above.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a + d = (a1,a2) + (d1,d2) = (a1 + d1, a2d2), so let d1 = -a1 and d2 = 0, therefore (a1 - a1, 0*a2) = (0,0) = 0

Seems to me that the condition holds. What have I missed?
 
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  • #2
Catchfire said:

Homework Statement


Let V = {RXR} with addition defined as (a1,a2) + (b1,b2) = (a1 + b1, a2b2)

Show the vector space condition, for each x in V there exists a y in V such that x + y = 0, fails for the V defined above.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



a + d = (a1,a2) + (d1,d2) = (a1 + d1, a2d2), so let d1 = -a1 and d2 = 0, therefore (a1 - a1, 0*a2) = (0,0) = 0

Seems to me that the condition holds. What have I missed?

I agree that it does hold. However, there is another vector space axiom that is not satisfied. Can you see which one?
 
  • #3
When you write "x+ y= 0", exacty what do you mean by "0"? You have, apparently, assumed that it meant (0, 0) but there "vector space condition" requiring that, for each x, there exist y such that x+y= (0, 0).

There is a vector space condition that there exist a "zero vector", 0, such that x+ 0= 0 and a condition that, given any x, there exist a y such that x+ y= 0. (The existence of an "additive identity" and the existence of "additive inverses".)

Since we are defining (a1, a1)+ (b1, b2)= (a1+ b2, a2b2), (0, 0) is NOT the "additive identiy": (a1, a2)+ (0 , 0)= (a1, 0), NOT (a1, a2).

What is the additive identity for this space?
 
  • #4
Thanks for the replies.

(a1, a2)+ (0, 1)= (a1+ 0, a2*1) = (a1, a2) is the additive identity so 0 = (0,1)

(a1,a2) + (b1,b2) = (a1+ b1, a2b2) = (0, 1) means b1 = -a1 and b2 = 1/a2... still missing something.
 
  • #5
So what would be the additive inverse of (a, 0)?
 
  • #6
(-a,1/0)!

Haha thanks, appreciate the help.
 

What is a vector space?

A vector space is a mathematical concept that consists of a set of vectors and operations that can be performed on those vectors. These operations include addition and multiplication by a scalar.

What are the properties of a vector space?

The properties of a vector space include closure under addition and scalar multiplication, associativity of addition, commutativity of addition, distributivity of scalar multiplication over vector addition, and existence of an identity element for addition.

How do you prove that a set is a vector space?

To prove that a set is a vector space, you must show that it satisfies all of the vector space properties. This can be done by showing that the set is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, and that the other properties hold for all vectors in the set.

Can a vector space have infinite dimensions?

Yes, a vector space can have infinite dimensions. This means that there are an infinite number of vectors that can be used to span the space.

What is the difference between a vector space and a subspace?

A subspace is a subset of a vector space that also satisfies all of the vector space properties. This means that a subspace is also a vector space, but it is contained within a larger vector space.

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