Vector Spaces

Definition.
Let V be a set on which two operations (vector addition and scalar multiplication) are
defined. If the listed axioms are satisfied for every u, v, and w in V and every scalar (real
number) c and d, then V is called a vector space.

Addition:
1. u + v is in V Closure under addition
2. u+v=v+u Commutative property
3. u + (v + w) = (u + v) + w Associative property
4. V has a zero vector 0 such that for every Additive identity
u in V, u + 0 = u
5. For every u in V, there is a vector in V Additive inverse
denoted by – u such that u + (-u) = 0

Scalar Multiplication:

6. cu, is in V Closure under scalar multiplication

7. c(u + v) = cu + cv Distributive property
8. (c + d)u = cu + du Distributive property
9. c(du) = (cd)u Associative property
10. 1u = u Scalar identity

It is important to realize that a vector space consists of four entities: a set of vectors, a set of
scalars, and two operations. When you refer to a vector space V, be sure that all four entities
are clearly stated.

Example 1. R2 with the standard operations is a Vector Space

The set of all ordered pairs of real numbers R2 with the standard operations is a vector
space. Vectors in this space have the form (v1, v2).

Example 2. Rn with the standard operations is a Vector Space

The set of all ordered n-tuples of real numbers Rn with the standard operations is a
vector space. Vectors in this space are of the form (v1, v2, …, vn).
Example 3. The Vector Space of all 2x3 Matrices
Show that the set of all 2x3 matrices with the operations of matrix addition and scalar
multiplication is a vector space.
http://mathonline.wikidot.com/the-vector-space-of-m-x-n-
matrices#:~:text=Definition%3A%20A%20nonempty%20set%20is,the%20ten%20axioms%
20below%20hold.

Example 4. The Vector Space of all Polynomials of degree 2 or less

Let P2 be the set of all polynomials of the form p(x) = a2x2 + a1x + a0, where a0, a1, and
a2 are real numbers. The sum of two polynomials p(x) = a2x2 + a1x + a0 and q(x) = b2x2
+ b1x + b0 is defined in the usual way by
p(x) + q(x) = (a2 + b2)x2 + (a1 + b1)x + (a0 + b0)
and the scalar multiple of p(x) by the scalar c is defined by
cp(x) = ca2x2 + ca1x + ca0.
Show that P2 is a vector space.

Example 5. The Vector Space of Continuous Functions

Let C(-∞, ∞) be the set of all real-valued continuous functions defined on the entire real
line. This set consists of all polynomial functions and all other continuous functions on
the entire real line. For instance, f(x) = sin x and g(x) = ex are members of this set.
Addition is defined by
(f + g)(x) = f(x) + g(x)
and scalar multiplication is defined by
(cf)f(x) = c[f(x)].
Show that C(-∞, ∞) is a vector space.

http://mathonline.wikidot.com/further-examples-of-vector-spaces
Summary of Important Vector Spaces
R = set of all real numbers
R2 = set of all ordered pairs
R3 = set of all ordered triples
Rn = set of all n-tuples
C(-∞, ∞) = set of all continuous function defined on the real number line
C[a, b] = set of all continuous functions defined on a closed interval [a, b]
P = set of all polynomials
Pn = set of all polynomials of degree ≤ n
Mm, n = set of all mxn matrices
Mn, n = set of all nxn matrices

Theorem. Properties of Scalar Multiplication

Let v be any element of a vector space V, and let c be any scalar. Then the following properties
are true.
1. 0v = 0
2. c0 = 0
3. If cv = 0, then c = 0 or v = 0
4. –(-v) = v

Examples of sets that are not Vector Spaces.

Example 6. The set of Integers is not a Vector Space

Example 7. The set of second-degree Polynomials is not a Vector Space