Proving Vector Space of Positive Quadruples of Real Numbers

In summary, to prove that the set of vectors "all ordered quadruples of positive real numbers" make a vector space, you need to show that all the axioms for a vector space are satisfied. This includes having a set of vectors, a field of scalars, an addition operation, and a multiplication operation. Without these, the set of ordered quadruples is not a vector space.
  • #1
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how do you prove the set of vectors "all ordered quadruples of positive real numbers" make a vector space?
 
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  • #2
you show that the axioms for a vector space are satisfied. I'm sure they're in your book. it shouldn't be very hard, just direct verification. you put ""s around the phrase ordered quadruples... that just means 4-dimensional vectors whose entries are real numbers, that's all.
 
  • #3
I had to memorize these in Linear Algebra:

http://www.math.niu.edu/~beachy/courses/240/vectorspace.html
 
  • #4
The problem is that it isn't a vector space since there is no additive inverse vector, nor is scalar multiplication valid (unless you redefine vector addition, the zero vector and th field over which the vector space is defined).
 
  • #5
how do you prove the set of vectors "all ordered quadruples of positive real numbers" make a vector space?
You don't because they don't.

To make a vector space, you need 3 things:
(1) A set of "vectors".
(2) A field of "scalars".
(3) An "addition" operation that takes two vectors and produces a vector.
(4) A "multiplication" operation that takes a scalar and a vector and produces a vector.

You've only specified (1), so that's certainly not enough to make a vector space. Once you specify the other three things, then we can start discussing the question of whether it's a vector space or not.
 

1. What is a vector space?

A vector space is a mathematical structure consisting of a set of elements, called vectors, that can be added together and multiplied by scalars. It follows a set of axioms or rules, including closure under addition and scalar multiplication, associativity, commutativity, and the existence of a zero vector and additive inverse for each vector.

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

In order to prove that a set is a vector space, you must show that it satisfies all the axioms or rules of a vector space. This includes showing that it is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, that it follows the associative and commutative properties, and that it has a zero vector and additive inverse for each vector.

3. What are positive quadruples of real numbers?

Positive quadruples of real numbers are sets of four real numbers where all four numbers are positive. For example, (2, 3, 4, 5) is a positive quadruple of real numbers, but (-1, 2, 3, 4) is not because it contains a negative number.

4. How do you prove that a set of positive quadruples of real numbers is a vector space?

In order to prove that a set of positive quadruples of real numbers is a vector space, you must show that it satisfies all the axioms or rules of a vector space. This includes showing that it is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, that it follows the associative and commutative properties, and that it has a zero vector and additive inverse for each vector. You must also show that all four numbers in the quadruple are positive.

5. Why is it important to prove that a set is a vector space?

Proving that a set is a vector space is important because it ensures that the set follows a set of rules and properties that make it a useful mathematical tool. Vector spaces are used in many areas of mathematics, physics, and engineering, and proving that a set is a vector space allows us to apply known mathematical techniques and principles to solve problems involving that set.

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