Showing a function forms a vector space.

The given equation is not a function, so the question is a bit unclear. And yes, it would make more sense to ask if the set of solutions, S, constitutes a vector space.
  • #1
schlynn
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Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?


Homework Equations


All axioms relating to vector spaces.


The Attempt at a Solution



x_n for example means x with the subscript n

The book says that the function isn't closed under addition. So it continues by showing that given 2 points, (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) that when you add 4x_1-y_1=7 and 4x_2-y_2=7 you get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, how did they get the values for the problem to see that it sums to 14 and not 7? The case for multiplication show: 4x_1-y_1=7, they used 3 as the scalar to show: 3(4x_1-y_1)=12x_1-3y_1, that part makes sense, but then again they say that the right side is 3x7, and I don't see how they got those values.
 
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  • #2
schlynn said:

Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?


Homework Equations


All axioms relating to vector spaces.


The Attempt at a Solution



x_n for example means x with the subscript n

The book says that the function isn't closed under addition. So it continues by showing that given 2 points, (x_1,y_1) and (x_2,y_2) that when you add 4x_1-y_1=7 and 4x_2-y_2=7 you get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, how did they get the values for the problem to see that it sums to 14 and not 7?
You have ##4x_1-y_1 = 7## and ##4x_2-y_2=7##. What do you get when you add those two equations?

The case for multiplication show: 4x_1-y_1=7, they used 3 as the scalar to show: 3(4x_1-y_1)=12x_1-3y_1, that part makes sense, but then again they say that the right side is 3x7, and I don't see how they got those values.
 
  • #3
You get 4(x_1+x_2)-(y_1+y_2)=14, which obviously isn't equal to 7, but does that then mean that all linear function ax+by=c is not a vector space for all c not equal to 0? Because c+c is always not equal to zero except when c=0 right?
 
  • #4
Yup.
 
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  • #5
Oh, ok, thanks, was just over-thinking it I guess then, it's apparent now, thank you.
 
  • #6
schlynn said:

Homework Statement


Does the function: 4x-y=7 constitute a vector space?

You certainly weren't overthinking when you phrased your question. ##4x-y=7## is an equation, not a function. And a function doesn't constitute a vector space. As you proceed in your course you are going to have to be more careful with definitions so you know what you are trying to prove or disprove. Perhaps you meant to ask something like: Does the set ##S=\{(x,y)|4x-y=7\}## consitute a vector space with the usual operations?
 
  • #7
LCKurtz said:
As you proceed in your course you are going to have to be more careful with definitions so you know what you are trying to prove or disprove. Perhaps you meant to ask something like: Does the set ##S=\{(x,y)|4x-y=7\}## consitute a vector space with the usual operations?
I had the same thoughts.
 

FAQ: Showing a function forms a vector space.

What is a vector space?

A vector space is a mathematical concept that involves a set of objects (vectors) that can be added together and multiplied by scalars to produce new vectors. These objects must follow a set of rules, such as closure under addition and scalar multiplication, to be considered a vector space.

What are the properties of a vector space?

The properties of a vector space include closure under addition and scalar multiplication, associativity of addition, commutativity of addition, existence of an additive identity element, existence of additive inverses, distributivity of scalar multiplication over addition, and associativity of scalar multiplication.

How do you prove that a function forms a vector space?

To prove that a function forms a vector space, you must show that it satisfies all of the properties of a vector space. This includes showing that the function is closed under addition and scalar multiplication, and that it follows the other properties listed above.

Why is it important to show that a function forms a vector space?

Showing that a function forms a vector space is important because it allows us to use the properties of vector spaces to analyze and solve problems involving the function. It also helps to establish the function as a valid mathematical concept that can be studied and applied.

What are some examples of functions that form vector spaces?

Some examples of functions that form vector spaces include polynomials of a certain degree, matrices of a certain size, and continuous functions over a certain interval. These functions all satisfy the properties of a vector space and can be studied and analyzed using the tools and concepts of vector spaces.

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