# Vector subspaces

1. Oct 9, 2011

### nayfie

Hello :)

I've been doing a lot of work on subspaces but have come across this question and need a bit of help!

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

$W = {(x, y) \in R^{2} | x^{2} + y^{2} = 0}$

2. Relevant equations

1. 0 ∈ W
2. ∀ u,v ∈ W; u+v ∈ W
3. ∀ c ∈ R and u ∈ W; cu ∈ W

3. The attempt at a solution

Check for 0 vector

$x^{2} + y^{2} = 0$

$0^{2} + 0^{2} = 0$

$0 = 0$

Let $u = x^{2} + y^{2} = 0$; let $v = a^{2} + b^{2} = 0$

$u + v = (x^{2} + a^{2}) + (y^{2} + b^{2}) = 0 + 0 = 0$

Check for closure under scalar multiplication

$ku = (kx)^{2} + (ky)^{2} = 0$

$= k^{2}(x^{2} + y^{2}) = 0$

$x^{2} + y^{2} = \frac{0}{k^{2}}$

$x^{2} + y^{2} = 0$

-----------------------------------

I have shown that the zero vector is in the set, and that it is closed under scalar multiplication, however; I'm not sure whether or not it is closed under scalar multiplication.

I have shown that u + v = 0, but, u + v does not have the same form as u and v individually, so I don't think u + v is part of the set?

Last edited: Oct 9, 2011
2. Oct 9, 2011

### nayfie

Just took another look at this question and might have solved it.

$u = (a, b), v = (c, d), u + v = (a + c, b + d)$

$(a + c)^{2} + (b + d)^{2} = 0$

$a^{2} + 2ac + c^{2} + b^{2} + 2bd + d^{2} = 0$

But, we know from the constraints of the subspace that;

$a^{2} + b^{2} = 0; c^{2} + b^{2} = 0$

So if we cancel those out, we get;

$2ac + 2bd = 0$

So in general, scalar addition breaks the constraint.

Does this even make sense or do I need more sleep? :grumpy:

3. Oct 9, 2011

### Staff: Mentor

Yes, you need more sleep.

Think about what your set looks like - W = {(x, y) $\in$ R2| x2 + y2 = 0}.

This set consists of a single point at (0, 0). If u $\in$ W and v $\in$ W, what must u and v be? It should be easy to show that u + v $\in$ W.