Chapter 1: Problem 9
Let \(\mathfrak{X}\) be a vector space over a field \(\mathbb{F} .\) A basis for \(\mathfrak{X}\) is a subset \(\mathfrak{B}=\left\\{e_{j} \mid j \in J\right\\}\) of linearly independent vectors from \(\mathfrak{X}\), such that every \(x\) in \(\mathfrak{X}\) has a (necessarily unique) decomposition as a finite linear combination of vectors from \(\mathfrak{B}\). Show that every vector space has a basis. Hint: A basis is a maximal element in the system of linearly independent subsets of \(\mathfrak{X}\).
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Define a Basis
Use Zorn's Lemma
Consider the Partially Ordered Set
Check the Chain Condition
Apply Zorn's Lemma
Conclude Existence of a Basis
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Linear Independence
For example, consider the vectors
- If vectors \( v_1, v_2, \ldots, v_n \) in a vector space are linearly independent, then the only solution to the equation \[ c_1 v_1 + c_2 v_2 + \cdots + c_n v_n = 0 \]is with each coefficient \( c_i = 0 \).
- This property ensures that none of the vectors is redundant. If you could express a vector as a combination of others, it wouldn't be needed for the basis.
Zorn's Lemma
- **Understanding Zorn's Lemma:** It states that if every chain (or totally ordered subset) of a partially ordered set has an upper bound, the set itself must have a maximal element.
- **Applying It to Vector Spaces:** In proving that every vector space has a basis, Zorn's Lemma helps us find a maximal linearly independent set. By considering all linearly independent sets ordered by inclusion, Zorn’s lemma asserts that there’s a linearly independent set that cannot be extended.
Vector Space
Considerations in vector spaces include:
- **Scalars and Vectors:** Scalars typically come from a field, such as real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \) or complex numbers \( \mathbb{C} \), and vectors are elements that can be added and multiplied by scalars.
- **Axioms:** For any vectors \( u, v, w \) in the vector space and any scalars \( c, d \), the operations satisfy several axioms:- Additive identity: There exists a zero vector \(0\) such that \( v + 0 = v \).- Additive inverses: For every vector \(v\), there exists a vector \(-v\) such that \(v + (-v) = 0 \).
- **Spanning the Space:** The idea of spanning involves expressing every element in a space as a combination of a set of vectors, known as a spanning set. A basis goes beyond this by ensuring these vectors are also linearly independent.
Linear Combinations
- **Forming Linear Combinations:** Given vectors \( v_1, v_2, \ldots, v_n \) and scalars \( a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n \), a linear combination is expressed as \[ a_1 v_1 + a_2 v_2 + \cdots + a_n v_n. \]
- **Purpose of Combinations:** Linear combinations reflect ways to reach or construct any vector within the span of a set. It's about mixing available resources (vectors) to create needed results (other vectors in the space).
- **Relation to Basis:** Every vector in a vector space can be uniquely represented by a linear combination of the basis vectors, which underscores the usefulness of linear combinations in exploring the dimensions and properties of a vector space.