Proving Vector Subspace: V in W iff V+W in W

In summary: B ==> AIn summary, in order to show that v is an element of W if and only if v+w is an element of W, you need to prove it in both directions. One way to do this is by showing that if w is in W and v is in V, then w+v is in W. This can be done by considering the closure condition for subspaces, where if w+v is not in W, then v must also not be in W. And if w+v is in W, then both w and v must be in W. This can be demonstrated using the logical statements A ==> B, not B ==> not A, and B ==> A.
  • #1
Juggler123
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I have been given that V is a finite dimensional vector space over a field F and that W is a subspace of V. I need to show that v is an element of W if and only if v+w is an element of W.

I know that because it is an 'if and only if' proof it needs to proved in both directions but don't really know where else to go from there! Any help would be great, thanks.
 
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  • #2
I am going to assume that w is given to be in W.

You could show that

If W is a subspace of V then
let w E W be a vector in W. (non empty)
let v E V be a vector in V. (non empty)

if w+v is NOT in W then v is NOT in W due to closure condition. if v is in W then v+w MUST be in W and V.

so you have shown that w+v either is or is not in W and if it is in W then
it must also be in V and if w+v is in W then both w and v must be in W. (closure)

Even If I worded it incorrectly I am sure that this involves closure condition for subspace.
 
  • #3
notice i used this method

A ==> B, not B ==> not A
 

FAQ: Proving Vector Subspace: V in W iff V+W in W

What does "V in W iff V+W in W" mean?

This statement means that a vector space V is a subset of another vector space W if and only if the sum of any vector in V and any vector in W is also in W.

How do you prove that V in W iff V+W in W?

To prove this statement, you need to show both directions of the implication. First, assume that V is a subset of W. Then, for any vectors v and w in V and W respectively, v+w will also be in W since W is a vector space. This shows that V+W is a subset of W. For the other direction, assume that V+W is a subset of W. Then, for any vector v in V and any vector w in W, v+w must also be in W since V+W is a subset of W. This shows that V is a subset of W.

Why is it important to prove that V in W iff V+W in W?

It is important to prove this statement because it helps to establish the relationship between two vector spaces. It also helps to understand how the operations of addition and scalar multiplication behave within the vector spaces.

Can V and W be any type of vector spaces for this statement to hold?

Yes, V and W can be any type of vector spaces as long as they satisfy the properties of a vector space. These properties include closure under addition and scalar multiplication, associativity, commutativity, and the existence of an identity element.

What are some examples of vector spaces where this statement holds?

Some examples of vector spaces where this statement holds include the set of all real numbers, the set of all polynomials, and the set of all matrices with real entries. In each of these cases, V is a subset of W and the sum of any vector in V and any vector in W is also in W.

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