Chapter Two:

Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

Chapter Two: Vector Spaces

Department of Mathematics

Adama Science and Technology University

October 28, 2025

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
This chapter introduces the underlying structure of linear
algebra, that of a finite dimensional vector spaces.
The definition of a vector space V , whose elements are
called vectors, involves an arbitrary field, K , whose
elements are called scalars.
The following notations will be used (unless and otherwise
stated):
V the given vector space
u, v , w vectors in V
K the given number field
a, b, c or k ‘ scalars in K .
Chapter Two: 2.1 Definition and Examples The following defines the
Vector Spaces
notion of vector space V over a scalar field K :
Department of
Mathematics
Definition
Let V be nonempty set with two operations:
(i.) Vector addition : This assigns to any u, v ∈ V , their sum
u+v ∈v
(ii.) Scalar multiplication : this assigns to any u ∈ V , k ∈ K , a
product ku ∈ V
Then V is called a vector space (over a field K ) if the following
axioms hold for any vectors u, v , w ∈ v :
A1 . (u + v ) + w = u + (v + w )
A2 . There is a vector in V , denoted by 0 and called the zero
vector, such that for any vector u ∈ V ,

u+0=0+u =u
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of Definition (cont 0 d)

Mathematics

A3 . for each u ∈ V , there is a vector in V , denoted by −u,

called the negative of u such that

u + (−u) = 0 = (−u) + u

A4 . u + v = v + u
A5 k(u + v ) = ku + kv for any scalar k ∈ K .
A6 . (a + b)u = au + bu for any scalars a, b, ∈ K
A7 . a(bu) = (ab)u, for any scalars a, b ∈ K
A8 . 1u = u, for the unit scalar 1 ∈ K .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces The above axioms naturally split in to two sets
Department of
Mathematics
Axioms A1 − A4 (concerned only on ” + ”)indicates that
(V , +) is an abelian group.
The remaining axioms A5 − A8 are the actions of the field
K on V .
Now, we have the following theorem
Theorem
Let V be a vector space over a field K .
(i.) For any scalar k ∈ K and 0 ∈ V , k0 = 0
(ii.) For 0 ∈ K and u ∈ V , 0u = 0
(iii.) If ku = 0 (k ∈ K , v ∈ V ), then k = 0 or u = 0.
(iv .) For any k ∈ k, and any u ∈ V , (−k)u = k(−u) = −ku
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Proof:
Mathematics
(i.) Let k ∈ K and 0 ∈ V , then

k0 = k(0 + 0) = k0 + k0 =⇒ k0 = 0

(ii.) Let 0 ∈ K , v ∈ V , then

0v = (0 + 0)v = 0v + 0v =⇒ 0v = 0

(iii.) Suppose ku = 0 and k 6= 0, then k −1 ∈ K and

kk −1 = k −1 k = 1, hence

u = 1.u = (k −1 k)u = k −1 (ku) = k −1 0 = 0

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

(iv.) Let k ∈ K , u ∈ V . Using u + (−u) = 0 and k + (−k) = 0,

we have
0 = k0 = k(u + (−u)) = ku + k(−u) =⇒ k(−u) = −ku
0 = 0u = (k + (−k))u = ku + (−k)u =⇒ (−k)u = −ku
Hence
k(−u) = −ku = (−ku)
Chapter Two: Examples:
Vector Spaces

Department of
1. [Space K n ] Let K be any field and consider
Mathematics
K n = {(a1 , a2 , · · · , an ) : ai ∈ K ∀i}
Then K n is a vector space over K with addition and scalar
multiplication defined by :
Vector addition:

(a1 , a2 , · · · , an ) + (b1 , b2 , · · · , bn ) = (a1 + b1 , , · · · , an + bn )

Scalar Multiplication:

k(a1 , a2 , · · · , an ) = (ka1 , ka2 , · · · , kan )

Here, we have
the zero vector is 0 = (0, 0, · · · , 0)
the negative of the vector −(a1 , a2 , · · · , an ) is
(−a1 , −a2 , · · · , −an )
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics 2. [Polynomial Space P(t)] Let P(t) dnote the set of all
polynomials of the form

p(t) = a0 + a1 t + a2 t 2 + · · · + an t n , n = 1, 2,

where the coefficients ai ∈ K . Then P(t) is a vector space

with the following operations
Vector Addition: Here p(t) + q(t) ∈ P(t) is the usual
addition of polynomials
Scalar Multiplication: Here kp(t) in P(t) is the usual
product of a scalar k and a polynomial p(t).
The zero polynomial 0 is the zero vector in P(t).
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces 3. [Matrix space Mn×m ]
Department of
Mathematics Mn×m = the set of all n × m matrices with entries
n the filed K

with the usual matrix addition and scalar multiplication of

matrices is a vector space.
4. [Function Space F (X )]
Let X be anon empty set and K be arbitrary field. Put

F (X ) = set of all functions X → K

with
Vector addition: (f + g )(x) = f (x) + g (x)
Scalar multiplication : (kf )(x) = kf (x)
is a vector space.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics 5 [Polynomial Space Pn (t)]
Let

Pn (t) = the set of polynomials p(t) over a field K , whose

degree less than or equal to n

i.e
p(t) = a0 + a1 t + a2 t 2 + · · · + as t s , s ≤ n
Then, Pn (t) is a vector space over K with the usual
operation of addition of polynomials and multiplication of
polynomials by a constant.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces 2.2 Linear combinations, Spanning Set
Department of
Mathematics Definition
Let V be a vector space over a field K . A vector v in V is said
to be a linear combination of vectors u1 , u2 , · · · , un in V , if
there exist scalars a1 , a2 , · · · , an in K such that

v = a1 u1 + a2 u2 + · · · + an un

Alternatively, v is called a linear combination of the vectors

u1 , u2 , · · · , un if there is a solution to the vector equation

v = x1 u1 + x2 u2 + · · · + xn vn

where x1 , x + 2, · · · , xn are unknown scalars.

Chapter Two: Examples:
Vector Spaces
1. Write v = (3, 7, −4) in R3 asa linear combination of
Department of
Mathematics u1 = (1, 2, 3), u2 = (2, 3, 7), u3 = (3, 5, 6)
Solution: We seek scalars x, y , z such that
v = xu1 + yu2 + zu3
       
3 1 2 3
i.e  7  = x 2 + y 3 + z 5 or
    
−4 3 7 6
x + 2y + 3z = 3
2x + 3y + 5z = 7
3x + 7y + 6z = −4
Solving simultaneously yields x = 2, y = −4, z = 3 Thus,
v = 2u1 − 4u2 + 3u3
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of 2. Let V = P(t) (The Polynomial Space) . Write the

Mathematics
polynomial v = 3t 2 + 5t − 5 as a linear combination of

p1 = t 2 + 2t + 1, p2 = 2t 2 + 5t + 4, p3 = t 2 + 3t + 6

Solution: We seek scalars x, y , z such that

v = xp1 + yp2 + zp3

i.e

(3t 2 + 5t − 5) = x(t 2 + 2t + 1) + y (2t 2 + 5t + 4) + z(t 2 + 3

= (x + 2y + z)t 2 + (2x + 5y + 3z)t + (x + 4y
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Set coffecients of the same powers of t equal to each other
Mathematics
which yields the linear system

x + 2y + z = 3
2x + 5y + 3z = 5
x + 4y + 6z = −5

Solving these simultaneous equation, we obtain

x = 3, y = 1, z = −2

And hence
v = 3p! + p2 − 2p3
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
Spanning Set
Definition
Let V be a vector space over a field K . Vectors u1 , u2 , · · · , un
in V are siad to be span V or to form a spanning set(set of
generators) if every v in V is a linear combination of the
vectors u1 , u2 , · · · , un -that is , there exist scalars a1 , a2 , · · · , an
such that
v = a1 u1 + a2 u2 + · · · + an un
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of The following remarks follow directly from the definition:

Mathematics

Remark

1 Suppose u1 , u2 , · · · , un span V , then for any vector w , the

set w , u1 , u2 , · · · , un also span V .
2 Suppose u1 , u2 , · · · , un span V and suppose uk is a linear
combination of the other u 0 s. Then the u 0 s without the uk
also span V .
3 Suppose u1 , u2 , · · · , un span V and suppose that one of
the u 0 s is the zero vector, the the u 0 s without the zero
vector also span V .
Chapter Two: Examples:
Vector Spaces
1. Consider V = R3 . then the vectors
Department of
Mathematics
e1 = (1, 0, 0), e2 = (0, 1, 0), e3 = (0, 0, 1)
Span V .
Solution: Here, let v = (a, b, c) be any vector in R3 , then
v = (a, b, c) = ae1 + be2 + ce3
Hence , {e1 , e2 , e3 } span V .
2. Consider V = R3 and let
w1 = (1, 1, 1), w2 = (1, 1, 0), w3 = (1, 0, 0)
Then , w1 , w2 , w3 span V .
Solution: Let v = (a, b, c) ∈ R3 , then
v = cw1 + (b − c)w2 + (a − b)w3
Hence, {w1 , w2 , w3 } span V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
3. Let V = R3 and consider
Department of
Mathematics
v1 = (1, 2, 3), v2 = (1, 3, 5), v3 = (1, 5, 9)
Then, {v1 , v2 , v3 } do not span V .
In fact, here, the vector v = (2, 7, 8) cannot be written as
a linear combination of v1 , v2 , v3 .
4. consider the vector space V = Pn (t) consisting of all
polynomials of degree ≤ n. Then, clearly
a. Clearly, every polynomial in Pn (t) can be written as a
linear combination of
1, t, t 2 , · · · , t n
Hence, 1, t, t 2 , · · · , t n forms a spanning set for Pn (t).
b. Moreover, the set of vectors
1, 1 − c, (1 − c)2 , · · · , (1 − c)n , c any scalar
is also a spanning set for Pn (t).
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
5. Consider the vector space V = M2×2 (R) consisting of the
Mathematics set of all 2 × 2 matrices whose entries from R, and
consider the following four matrices
   
1 0 0 1
E11 = , E12 = ,
0 0 0 0
   
0 0 0 0
E21 = , E22 =
1 0 0 1
 
a b
Then, clearly every matrix A = can be written as
c d

A = aE11 + bE12 + cE21 + dE22

Hence, E11 , E12 , E21 , E22 is a spanning set for M2×2 (R)
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
2.3 Subspaces
Department of
Mathematics This section introduces the important notion of a subspace.
Definition
Let V be a vector space over a field K and let W be a subset
of V . Then W is a subspace of V if W itself is a vector space
over K with respect to the operation of vector addition and
vector scalar multiplication on V .

So, to show that W is a vector space

One has to show that all the eight axioms holds for
elements of W
In fact, some of the axioms automatically holds in w , since
they are true in V , (A1 , A4 − A8 )
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces A simple criteria to show that W is a subspace is given by the
Department of following theorem.
Mathematics
Theorem
Suppose W ⊆ V . Then W is a subspace of V if the following
two conditions hold:
(a.) The zero vector 0 ∈ W .
(b.) For any u, v ∈ W , k ∈ K , then
(i.) u + v ∈ W
(ii.) ku ∈ W

That means, W is a subspace if it contains the zero vector and

closed under vector addition and scalar multiplication. We can
combine these two properties to a single statement as follows:
(b’.) For any u, v ∈ W , a, b ∈ K , au + bv ∈ W .
Chapter Two: Examples:
Vector Spaces

Department of
1. For any vector space V , then {0} and V itself are
Mathematics subspace of V .
2. Consider the vector soace V = R3
(a.) Let U = {(a, b, c) ∈ R3 : a = b = c}. Show that U is a
subspace of V .
Solution: Let u = (a, b, c) and v = (a0 , b 0 , c 0 ) belongs to
U, then
a = b = c, and a0 = b 0 = c 0
For any k, k 0 ∈ K

ku + k 0 v = (ka + k 0 a0 , kb + k 0 b 0 , kc + k 0 c 0 )

and
ka + k 0 a0 = kb + k 0 b 0 = ck + c 0 k 0
Clearly, 0 = (0, 0, 0) ∈ U.
Hence, U is a subspace of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

(b.) Let W be any plane in R3 passing through the origin, then

The origin ) = (0, 0, 0) ∈ W , since it passes through the

origin.
Let u and v be vectors in W ,the sum u + v and a scalar
multiple ku also belongs to W .
Hence, W is a subspace of R3 .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
3. Let V = Mn×n be the vector spaces of n × n matrices.
Department of
Mathematics Let W1 be the subset of (all) uper triangular matrices and
W2 be the subset of all symmetric matrices,
then W1 and W2 are subspaces of V . [Verify!]
4. Let V = P(t), the vector space P(t) of polynomials. Then

the space Pn (t) of polynomials of degree at most n

let Q(t) be the set of polynomials of with only even
powers of t
are subspaces of V .[Verify!]
5. Let V be the vector space of real valued functions, then
W1 = the subset of all continous functions
W2 = the subset of all differentiable functions
are subspsces of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics Intersection of Subspace
Let U and V be subspaces of a vetor space V . We will show
that the intersection U ∩ V is a subspace of V . In fact, here
0 ∈ U and 0 ∈ W , hence 0 ∈ U ∩ W .
Let u, w ∈ U ∩ W , a, b ∈ K =⇒ U, w ∈ U, W , hence

au + bw ∈ U, W and au ∈ U, W

Hence
au + bw , au ∈ U ∩ W
The above result yields the following thorem.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Theorem
Mathematics
The intersection of any number of subspaces of a vector space
V is a subspace of V .

Linear Spans
Recall that, For any vectors u1 , u2 , · · · , un , any vector of the
form
a1 u1 + a2 u2 + · · · + an un
where ai are scalars is called the linear combination of
u1 , u2 , · · · , un
The collection of such linear combinations is denoted by

Span{u1 , u2 , · · ·n } or Span{ui }
Chapter Two: Regarding Span{ui } , we have
Vector Spaces

Department of
The zero vector is written as
Mathematics

0 = 0u1 + 0u2 + · · · + 0un ∈ Span{ui }

Furthermore,suppose v , v 0 ∈ Span{ui }, then

v = a1 u1 +a2 u2 +· · ·+an un and v 0 = b1 u1 +b2 u2 +· · ·+bn un

Then

v + v 0 = (a + 1 + b1 )u1 + (a2 + b2 )u2 + · · · + (an + bn )un

and
kv = (ka1 )u1 + (ka2 )u2 + (kan )un
Hence, v + v 0 , kv ∈ Span{ui }. Accordingly, Span{ui } is a
subspace of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of More generally, for any subset S of V

Mathematics
Span(S) contains the set of all linear combination of
members of S.
If S = ∅, then Span(S) = {0}.
In particular, S is a spanning set of Span(S).
Now, we have the following theorem
Theorem
Let S be a subset of a vector space V , then
(a.) Then Span(S) is a subspace of V that contain S.
(b.) If W is a subspace of V containing S, then Span(S) ⊆ W .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
2.4. Linear Dependence and Independence of Vectors
Department of
Mathematics Let V be a vector space over a field K . The following defines
the notion of linear dependence and linear independence of
vectors:
Definition
We say that the vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vm in V are linearly
dependent if there exist scalars a1 , a2 , · · · , am in K , not all of
them 0, such that

a1 v1 + a2 v2 + · · · + am vm = 0

Otherwise, we say that the vectors are linearly independent.

We are interested in linearly independent vectors

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

In other words, a set of vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vn in V are said

to be linearly independent if

a1 v1 + a2 v2 + · · · + an vn = 0 =⇒ a1 = a2 = · · · = an = 0

A set S = {v1 , v2 , · · · , vn } of vectors in V is linearly

independent or dependent according to whether the
vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vm (for 1 < m ≤ n) are linearly
independent or independent.
Chapter Two: From the definition, we have the following remarks:
Vector Spaces

Department of 1. Suppose 0 is one of the vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vm , say v1 = 0,

Mathematics
then the vectors must be linearly dependent, because put
a1 = 1 and ai = 0 ∀2 ≤ i ≤ m, then

1.v1 + 0.v2 + · · · + [Link] = 0

2. Suppose v is nonzero vector. Then v , by itself, is linearly

indepedent, since

kv = 0, v 6= 0, =⇒ k = 0

3. Two vectors v1 and v2 are linearly dependent if one of

them is a scalar multiple of the other. i.e

v2 = kv1 (∃k ∈ K )
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
3. Suppose two of the vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vm are equal or one
Department of
Mathematics of them is a scalar multiple of the other, say v1 = kv2 ,
then the vectors are linearly dependent. (here we put
a1 = 1, a2 = −k, aj = 0 for all 3 ≤ j ≤ m) and

v1 − kv2 + 0.v3 + · · · + [Link] = 0

4. If the set {v1 , v2 , · · · , vm } is linearly independent, then

any rearrangment of the vectors {vi1 , vi2 , · · · , vin } is also
linearly independent.
5. If a set S of vectors is linearly independent, then any
subset of S is linearly independent. Alternatively, if S
contains a linearly dependent subset, then S is linearly
dependent.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
Example
Let u = (1, 1, 0), v = (1, 3, 2) and w = (4, 9, 5). Then u, v , w
are linearly dependent.

Solution
Here,

3u + 5v − 2w = 3(1, 1, 0) + 5(1, 3, 2) − 2(4, 9, 5)

= (0, 0, 0) = 0
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of Example
Mathematics

The vectors u = (1, 2, 3), v = (2, 5, 7), w = (1, 3, 5) are

linearly independent.

Solution:
Consider the equation

xu + yv + zw = 0

Hence        
1 2 1 0
x 2 + y 5 + z 3 = 0
      
3 7 5 0
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
This yields the system

x + 2y + z = 0
2x + 5y + 3z = 0
3x + 7y + 5z = 0

Solving the system, we obtain the solution

x =y =z =0

Hence, u, v , w are linearly independent

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
Example
Department of
Mathematics Let V = space of functions from R → R. The vectors

v1 (t) = sin t, v2 (t) = e t , v3 (t) = t 2

are linearly independent.

Solution: Let x, y , z be unknown variables and consider the

vector equation
xv1 + yv2 + zv3 = 0
This means that

x sin t + ye t + zt 2 = 0 for any t ∈ R

Now, we substitute different values of t to obtain x, y , z :

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Now put
Mathematics
t = 0, we have

x sin 0 + ye 0 + z02 = 0 =⇒ y = 0

t = π, we have

x sin π + 0e π + zπ 2 = 0 =⇒ z = 0

Finally, t = π2 , we have
π π π
x sin + 0.e 2 + 0.( )2 = 0 =⇒ x = 0
2 2
Hence, v1 , v2 , v3 are linearly independent.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces Exercises:
Department of 1 Check whether the following vecctors in R3 are linearly
Mathematics
independent or linearly dependent.
a. u = (2, 0, 0), v = (3, 2, 0), w = (4, 2, 1)
b. u = (1, 1, 2), v = (2, 3, 1), w = (4, 5, 5)
2 Let V = P(t) set of polynomials, determine whether the
following are linearly dependent or linearly independent.
a. u = 2t 2 + 4t − 3, v = 4t 2 + 8t − 6
b. u = 2t 2 + 3t − 4, v = 4t 2 − 3t + 2
3 Let V = set of all functions R → R. Show that the
functions

f (t) = sin t, g (t) = cos t, h(t) = t

are linearly independent.

Chapter Two: Linear Dependence and Linear Combination:
Vector Spaces
The notions of linear dependence and linear combinations are
Department of
Mathematics closely related. Specifically, for more than one vector, we show
that the vectors v1 , v2 , · · · , vm are linearly dependent if and
only if one of them is a linear combination of the others.
Suppose v1 , v2 , · · · , vm are linearly dependent, say

b1 v1 + b2 v2 + · · · + bm vm = 0 with bj 6= 0 for some j

Then

vj = bj−1 (b1 v1 ) + bj−1 (b2 v2 ) + bj−1 (bj−1 vj−1 )

+ bj−1 (bj+1 vj+1 ) + bj−1 (bm vm )

Hence, vj is a linear combination of

v1 , v2 , · · · , vj−1 , vj+1 , · · · , vm
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
On the other hand, Suppose vi is a linear combination of
the others,say

vi = b1 v1 + b2 v2 + · · · + bi−1 vi−1 + bi+1 vi+1 + · · · bm vm

Then, by adding −vi on both sides yields

b1 v1 + b2 v2 + · · · bi−1 vi−1 − vi + bi+1 vi+1 + · · · + bm vm = 0

where the coefficient of vi 6= 0 is not 0.

Hence, v1 , v2 , · · · , vm are linearly dependent.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
2.5 Basis and Dimension of Vector Spaces
Department of
Mathematics
First we state two equivalent ways to define a basis of a vector
space V .
Definition
A set S = {u1 , u2 , · · · , un } of vectors is a basis of V if it has
the following properties:
(i.) S span V .
(ii.) S is linearly independent

Definition
A set S = {u1 , u2 , · · · , un } of vectors is a basis of V if every
v ∈ V can be uniquely written as a linear combination of the
basis vectors u1 , u2 , · · · , un .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics The following is a fundamental result in linear algebra
Theorem
Let V be a vector space such that one basis has m elements
and another basis has n elements. Then m = n.

Call a vector space V has a finite dimension n (written

Dim(V ) = n)(or n − dimesional) if V has a basis of
n − elements.
The above thorem tells us that all basis of a vector space
has the same number of elements.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of Examples:
Mathematics
1. Let V = R3 , then the following are bases of V .
(a.) {e1 = (1, 0, 0), e2 = (0, 1, 0), e3 = (0, 0, 1)}
(b.) {v1 = (1, 1, 1), v2 = (2, 3, 0), v3 = (4, 0, 0)}
2. Let V = M2×3 , the the vectors
     
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
, , ,
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
     
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
, ,
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
forms a basis of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
3. Let V = P(t) the vector space of polynomials, then the
vectors
1, t, t 2 , · · · ,
forms a basis of V .
4. Consider the vector space Pn (t) of all polynomials of
degree ≤ n, then the vectors

1, t, t 2 , · · · , t n

of n + 1 vectors forms a basis of V .

Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
Suppose a vector space V does not have a finite basis,
Department of
Mathematics then V is said to have of infinte dimension or infinite
dimensional.
The vector space {0} has dimension 0.

Lemma
Suppose v1 , v2 , · · · , vn span V , and suppose w1 , w2 , · · · , wm is
a linearly independent set. Then m ≤ n and V is spanned by a
set of the form

w1 , w2 , · · · , wm , vi1 , vi2 , · · · , vin−m

Thus, in particular, any n + 1 vectors in V are linearly

dependent.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces Examples on Bases
Department of
Mathematics
1. The Vector Space V = K n .
Consider the vectors

e1 = (1, 0, · · · , 0), e2 = (0, 1, · · · , 0), · · · , en = (0, 0, · · · , 1)

Now,
The vectors e1 , e2 , · · · , en are linearly independent.
For any vector v = (a1 , a2 , · · · , an ), we have

v = a1 e1 + a2 e2 + · · · + an en

i.e e1 , e2 , · · · , en span V
Hence, {e1 , e2 , · · · , en } is a basis of V . In particular

Dim(K n ) = n
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
2. The vector space V = Mr ×s of all r × s matrices. The
Department of
Mathematics following six matrices form a basis of the vector space
V = M2×3 :
     
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
e1 = , e2 = , e3 =
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
     
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
e4 = , e5 = , e6 =
1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
In fact,here
{e1 , e2 , · · · , en } is linearly independent set and,
{e1 , e2 , · · · , en } span M2×3
Thus,
Dim(M2×3 ) = 6 = 2 × 3
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

3. The vector space V = Pn (t) of all polynomials of

degree ≤ n
Here
the set S = {1, t, t 2 , · · · , t n } of n + 1 vectors are linearly
independent and span the space Pn (t)
Hence, {1, t, t 2 , · · · , t n } is a basis of Pn (t)
Hence,
Dim(Pn (t)) = n + 1
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

4. The vector space V = P(t) of all polynomials over a

field K .
Here, the set S = {1, t, t 2 , · · · , } is linearly independent
and span P(t)
Hence, 1, t, t 2 , · · · , is a basis of P(t). Thus,

Dim(P(t)) = ∞
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
Now, we have the following theorems on Bases
Theorem
Let V be a vector space of finite dimension n, then
1 Any n + 1 or more vectors are linearly dependent.
2 Any linearly independent set S = {u1 , u2 , · · · , un } with
n − elements is a basis of V .
3 Any spanning set T = {v1 , v2 , · · · , vn } of n − vectors in V
is a basis of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of Theorem
Mathematics
Suppose S span a vector space V , then
1 Any maximum number of linearly independent vectors in S
forms a basis of V .
2 Suppose one deletes from S every vector that is a linear
combination of preceding vectors in S, then the remaining
vectors forms a basis of V .

Theorem
Let V be a vector space of finite dimension and let
S = {u1 , u2 , · · · , ur } be a set of linearly independent vectors in
V , then S can be extended to a basis of V .
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
Examples:
Department of
Mathematics 1. The following vectors

(1, 1, 1, 1), (0, 1, 1, 1), (0, 0, 1, 1), (0, 0, 0, 1)

are linearly independent in R4 . Hence, they are a basis of

R4 .
2. Consider the following n + 1 polynomials

1, t − 1, (t − 1)2 , · · · , (t − 1)n

Here, no polynomial is a linear combinations of the

preceding polynomials and hence, the polynomials are
linearly independent. Hence, they form the basis of Pn (t).
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

3. The vectors

(1, 2, 3), (−2, 1, 0), (1, 5, 6), (3, 4, 5)

are linearly dependent, since

Dim(R3 ) = 3
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics

Dimension and Subspace

The following theorem provides the relationship between the
dimension of a vector space and its subspace.
Theorem
Let W be a subspace of an n − dimensional vector space V .
Then Dim(W ) ≤ n. In particular, if Dim(W ) = n, then
W = V.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
Example: Consider V = R3 and w be a subspace of V . Then,
Dim(R)3 = 3, hence Dim(W ) will be either of 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Hence
If Dim(W ) = 0, then W = {0}
If Dim(W ) = 1, then W is a line which passes through the
origin.
If Dim(W ) = 2, then w is a plane which passes through
the origin.
If Dim(W ) = 3, then W = R3 .
Chapter Two: Chapter Two: Vector Spaces- Worksheet Two
Vector Spaces
1. Let V be a vector space and u, v ∈ V . Simplify each of
Department of
Mathematics the following expressions:
a. 2(4u − 5v ) + 3v + 6u
b. 2u − 3(5v − 4u) + 6v − u
c. 3uv + 2(u + v )
d. v2 + 3u − 2(u − v )
2. Let V be a vector space and u ∈ U, show that u + u = 2u.
3. Express the vector v = (1, −2, 5) as a linear combination
of the vectors
u1 = (1, 1, 1), u2 = (1, 2, 3), u3 = (2, −1, 1)
4. Express as a linear combination of the following vectors
a. v = 2, −5, 3 as
u1 = (1, −3, 2), u2 = (2, −4, −1), u3 = (1, −5, 7)
b. v = t 2 + 4t − 3 ∈ P(t) as
p1 (t) = t 2 − 2t + 5, p2 (t) = 2t 2 − 3t, p3 (t) = t + 1
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces  
4 7
Department of c. M = as the matrices
Mathematics 7 9
     
1 1 1 2 1 1
A= ,B = ,C =
1 1 3 4 4 5

5. Let V = R3 . Show that

a. W = {(a, b, c) : a ≥ 0} is not a subspace of V
b. W = {(a, b, c) : a2 + b 2 + c 2 ≤ 1} is not a subspace of V .
6. Let V = P(t) be the space of polynomials. Determine
whether or not the following are subspace of v .
a. W consists of all polynomials with integer coefficients.
b. W consists of all polynomials of degree ≥ 6 and the zero
polynomial.
c. W consists of all polynomials with only even poers of t.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces
7. Let V be the vector space of functions f : R → R. Show
Department of
Mathematics
that the following are subspace of V .
a. W = {f (x) : f (1) = 0}, all functions whose value at 1 is 0.
b. W = f (x) : f (3) = f (1), all functions assigning the same
value to 3 and 1.
c. W = {f (x) : f (x) = f (−x)}, the set of all odd functions.
8. Show that the following vectors span R3 .
a. u1 = (1, 1, 1), u2 = (1, 2, 3), u3 = (1, 5, 8)
b. u1 = (2, 1, 3), u2 = (3, 2, 0), u3 ()4, 0, 0)
9. Determine whether u and v are linearly dependent or
independent
a. u = (1, 2), v = (3, −5)
b. u = (1, −3), v = (−2, 6)
c. u = (1, 2, −3), v = (4, 5, −6)
d. u = (2, 4, −8), v = (3, 6, −12)
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
Mathematics
10. Determine whether or not the following vectors in R3 are
linearly dependent or not.
a. u = (1, 1, 2), v = (2, 3, 1), w = (4, 5, 5)
b. u1 = (1, 2, 5), u2 = (1, 3, 1), u3 = (2, 5, 7), u4 = (3, 1, 4)
c. u1 = (1, 2, 5), u2 = (1, 5, 2), u3 = (2, 5, 1)
d. u = (1, 2, 3), v = (0, 0, 0), w = (1, 5, 6)
11. Show that the functions f (t) = cos t, g (t) = sin t, h(t) = t
from R → R are linearly independent.
12. Suppose u, v , w are linearly independent. Then show that
u + v , u − v , u − 2v + w are also linearly independent.
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of 13. Determine whether or not each of the following form a

Mathematics
basis of R3 :
a. (1, 1, 1), (1, 0, 1)
b. (1, 1, 1), (1, 2, 3), (2, −1, 1)
c. (1, 2, 3), (1, 3, 5), (1, 0, 1), (2, 3, 0)
d. (1, 1, 2), (1, 2, 5), (5, 3, 4)
14 Determine whether
(1, 1, 1, 1), (1, 2, 3, 2), (2, 5, 6, 4), (2, 6, 8, 5) form a basis of
R4 . If not, find the dimension of the subspace they span.
15. Find a basis and dimension of the subspace W of R3
where
a. W = {(a, b, c) : a + b + c = 0}
b. W = {(a, b, c) : (a = b = c)}
Chapter Two:
Vector Spaces

Department of
16. Let W be the subspace of R4 spanned by the vectors
Mathematics

u1 = (1, −2, 5, −3), u2 = (2, 3, 1, −4), u3 = (3, 8, −3, −5)

Then find the basis and dimension of W .

17. Let V be the vector space of 2 × 2 matrices over field K .
Let W be the subspace of symmetric matrices. Show that
Dim(W ) = 3 [Hint: Find the basis.]
18. Consider the vector space P3 (t) of polynomials of degree
≤ 3. Show that

S = {(t − 1)3 , (t − 1)2 , t − 1, 1}

is a basis of P3 (t).