Question about vector space intersection properties

In summary, the topic of discussion is whether intersection distributes over union in vector spaces over addition. An example is provided with subspaces of ##\mathbb{R}^2##, where it is shown that ##A \cap (B + C)## is equal to ##A##, but ##(A \cap B) + (A \cap C)## is equal to ##\{0\}##.
  • #1
raymo39
50
0
Its been a while since I've done this stuff, and I don't have a text handy. I know that for sets, intersection distributes over union, I don't remember if the same will hold for vector spaces over addition?

for example does A [itex]\cap[/itex] (B + C) = A [itex]\cap[/itex] B + A [itex]\cap[/itex] C
 
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  • #2
Suppose ##A,B,C## are the following subspaces of ##\mathbb{R}^2##: ##B = \{(b,0) : b \in \mathbb{R}\}##, ##C = \{(0,c) : c \in \mathbb{R}\}##, and ##A = \{(a,a) : a \in \mathbb{R}\}##.

Then ##B + C = \mathbb{R}^2##, so ##A \cap (B + C) = A##.

But ##A \cap B = \{0\}## and ##A \cap C = \{0\}##, so ##(A \cap B) + (A \cap C) = \{0\}##.
 

FAQ: Question about vector space intersection properties

What is a vector space?

A vector space is a mathematical structure that consists of a set of vectors and two operations, addition and scalar multiplication. It is a fundamental concept in linear algebra and is used to represent real-world phenomena such as forces, velocities, and electric fields.

What is the intersection of two vector spaces?

The intersection of two vector spaces V and W is the set of all elements that are in both V and W. In other words, it is the common elements shared by both vector spaces. The intersection of two vector spaces is itself a vector space.

What are the properties of vector space intersection?

The properties of vector space intersection include commutativity, associativity, and distributivity. These properties ensure that the intersection of two vector spaces is also a vector space. Additionally, the intersection of two vector spaces is always a subspace of both vector spaces.

How is the intersection of two vector spaces related to linear dependence?

The intersection of two vector spaces is related to linear dependence in that if the intersection of two vector spaces is non-empty, then the two vector spaces are linearly dependent. This means that at least one vector in one vector space can be written as a linear combination of vectors in the other vector space.

Can the intersection of two vector spaces be empty?

Yes, it is possible for the intersection of two vector spaces to be empty. This happens when the two vector spaces do not share any common elements. In this case, the intersection would be the zero vector space, which consists of only the zero vector.

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