What is meant by compex dimension? (Abstract algebra)

  • #1
Ineedhelpimbadatphys
9
2
Homework Statement
Show that the set of n:th order complex polynomials
Pn ≡{a0 +a1z+a2z2 +···+anzn|a0,a1,...,an ∈Cn}
is a vector space. What is its (complex) dimension?
Relevant Equations
Pn ≡{a0 +a1z+a2z2 +···+anzn|a0,a1,...,an ∈Cn}
picture since the text is a little hard to read
IMG_1444.jpeg

i have no problem showing this is a vector space, but what is meant by complex dimention?
Is it just the number on independant complex numbers, so n?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you know how the dimension of a vector space is defined? It involves linear (in-)dependency and therefore the underlying scalar field. E.g. ##\mathbb{C}\cdot [\vec{1}]## is a complex line, hence one-dimensional. But if we consider ##[\vec{1}]## as a real vector, what is the dimension of ##\mathbb{R}\cdot [\vec{1}]##?
 
  • #3
There are two independant scalars in a complex number. So does that mean 2n.
 
  • #4
fresh_42 said:
Do you know how the dimension of a vector space is defined? It involves linear (in-)dependency and therefore the underlying scalar field. E.g. ##\mathbb{C}\cdot [\vec{1}]## is a complex line, hence one-dimensional. But if we consider ##[\vec{1}]## as a real vector, what is the dimension of ##\mathbb{R}\cdot [\vec{1}]##?
Ineedhelpimbadatphys said:
There are two independant scalars in a complex number. So does that mean 2n.
Sorry, this was supposed to be a reply. Im really not understanding the subject so sorry for simple questions.
 
  • #5
Ineedhelpimbadatphys said:
There are two independant scalars in a complex number. So does that mean 2n.
No. It only means ##2n## over the reals! It is still ##n## over the complex numbers.

If we write a complex number ##a+\mathrm{i} b## as real vector ##(a,b)## then we get
$$
\dim_\mathbb{R} \left\{\mathbb{R}\cdot\begin{pmatrix}a\\0\end{pmatrix}\oplus \mathbb{R}\cdot\begin{pmatrix}0\\b\end{pmatrix}\right\}=2\, , \,\dim_\mathbb{R} \mathbb{R}\cdot\begin{pmatrix}a\\b\end{pmatrix}=1
$$
and
$$
\dim_\mathbb{C} \left\{\mathbb{C}\cdot a + \mathbb{C}\cdot \mathrm{i}b\right\}=1\, , \,\dim_\mathbb{C} \mathbb{C}\cdot (a+\mathrm{i}b) =1
$$
I assume the exercise was to understand this difference. The field is essential here.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes FactChecker
  • #6
The dimension is ##n+1##.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What is the definition of complex dimension in abstract algebra?

In abstract algebra, complex dimension refers to the number of complex solutions or roots of a polynomial equation. It is also known as the degree of the polynomial.

2. How is complex dimension different from real dimension?

Complex dimension and real dimension are different because complex dimension takes into account complex numbers, while real dimension only considers real numbers. This means that a polynomial equation may have a higher complex dimension than its corresponding real dimension.

3. Can a polynomial equation have a complex dimension of 0?

Yes, a polynomial equation can have a complex dimension of 0. This means that the equation has no complex solutions and only has real solutions.

4. How is complex dimension related to the fundamental theorem of algebra?

The fundamental theorem of algebra states that every non-constant polynomial equation with complex coefficients has at least one complex solution. The complex dimension of a polynomial equation represents the total number of complex solutions, including repeated solutions, which aligns with the fundamental theorem of algebra.

5. What is the significance of complex dimension in abstract algebra?

Complex dimension is important in abstract algebra because it helps us understand the behavior of polynomial equations and their solutions. It also plays a crucial role in fields such as complex analysis, topology, and algebraic geometry.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
451
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
5K
Replies
2
Views
724
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top