What is meant by compex dimension? (Abstract algebra)

In summary, complex dimension refers to the dimension of a vector space over the field of complex numbers. It is a concept in abstract algebra that extends the idea of dimension from real vector spaces to complex vector spaces, where the basis consists of complex-valued vectors. The complex dimension can be a non-integer value when considering structures like complex manifolds or algebraic varieties, highlighting the distinction between real and complex dimensions in higher mathematics.
  • #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?
 
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  • #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.
 
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  • #6
The dimension is ##n+1##.
 
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FAQ: What is meant by compex dimension? (Abstract algebra)

What is meant by complex dimension in abstract algebra?

In abstract algebra, the term "complex dimension" typically refers to the dimension of a vector space over the field of complex numbers, denoted as ℂ. It indicates the number of basis vectors in the vector space when considered as a vector space over ℂ.

How is complex dimension different from real dimension?

Complex dimension and real dimension differ in terms of the field over which the vector space is considered. A vector space with a complex dimension n is also a vector space over the real numbers with a real dimension of 2n, since each complex dimension can be represented by two real dimensions (real and imaginary parts).

Why is complex dimension important in abstract algebra?

Complex dimension is important because it helps in understanding the structure and properties of vector spaces and algebraic objects over the complex numbers. It plays a crucial role in various areas of mathematics, including linear algebra, complex analysis, and algebraic geometry.

Can a vector space have both real and complex dimensions?

Yes, a vector space can be considered over different fields, such as the real numbers ℝ and the complex numbers ℂ. The same vector space can have a different dimension depending on the field over which it is considered. For example, a vector space of complex dimension n will have a real dimension of 2n.

How do you determine the complex dimension of a vector space?

The complex dimension of a vector space is determined by finding a basis for the vector space over the field of complex numbers ℂ and counting the number of basis vectors. The number of these basis vectors is the complex dimension of the vector space.

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