Vector Space: Scalar Restriction in ℤ2

[Austin Chang]

In a vector space can you limit the scalar. For example, if I have Vector space in ℤ² can i only multiple integer scalars?

 

[fresh_42]

In a vector space can you limit the scalar. For example, if I have Vector space in ℤ² can i only multiple integer scalars?

In this case it is called a $\mathbb{Z}-$module, i.e. the scalars are from a ring, in your example $\mathbb{Z}$. Vector spaces are required to have a field as scalar domain, that is we have invertible elements as scalars (and of course $0$). However, the field doesn't have to be "unlimited". E.g. $\{0,1\}$ is also a field.

 

[lavinia]

In a vector space can you limit the scalar. For example, if I have Vector space in ℤ² can i only multiple integer scalars?

You can limit the scalars to a subfield of the field of scalars but then you have a different vector space. For instance the real line is a one dimensional vector space over the field of real numbers. If you limit the scalars to the field of rational numbers, then the real line is an infinite dimensional vector space over the field of rational numbers.