Prove coordinate vectors are unique for given basis

In summary, to prove that the coordinates of a vector v in a vector space Vn are unique with respect to a given basis B={b1,b2,...,bn}, you can assume the opposite and show that it leads to a contradiction. This can be done by first assuming that a vector can be represented as two different linear combinations with different coefficients, and then using the fundamental property of basis vectors to show that the coefficients must be the same. This ultimately proves the uniqueness of the coordinates of v with respect to the given basis B.
  • #1
csc2iffy
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Homework Statement


Prove that the coordinates of a vector v in a vector space Vn are unique with respect to a given basis B={b1,b2,...,bn}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


not sure at all what to do with this
 
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  • #2
OK, this is very straightforward. Assume you can represent a vector v as two linear combinations of the basis vectors with different coefficients. After that you only need to use a fundamental property of the basis vectors and that's it.
 
  • #3
Well you want to show that it's unique. A strategy that's good for this kind of proof is to assume the opposite, work with that assumption, and then arrive at something that shows that it must be unique.

To get started:
Well what's the opposite of being unique? How about we assume that a vector can be represented by this basis in two different ways as a linear combination but with different constants. What do you think you can do with this? Think about how you could manipulate this to show that the constants must be the same. You'll need to know properties of a basis to make it work.
 

Related to Prove coordinate vectors are unique for given basis

1. What does it mean for coordinate vectors to be unique?

It means that for a given basis, there is only one set of coordinate vectors that can represent a vector in a vector space. In other words, no two vectors can have the same set of coordinate vectors for a given basis.

2. How do you prove that coordinate vectors are unique for a given basis?

To prove that coordinate vectors are unique, we need to show that for any vector in the vector space, there is only one set of coordinates that can represent it with respect to the given basis. This can be done using the properties of linear independence and spanning.

3. Can coordinate vectors be unique for different bases?

Yes, coordinate vectors can be unique for different bases. This is because the choice of basis determines the set of coordinate vectors that can represent a vector in a vector space. Different bases will have different sets of coordinate vectors that are unique to them.

4. Why is it important to prove that coordinate vectors are unique for a given basis?

Proving the uniqueness of coordinate vectors for a given basis is important because it ensures that we have a consistent and reliable way of representing vectors in a vector space. It also allows us to perform operations on vectors, such as addition and scalar multiplication, using their respective coordinate vectors.

5. Are there any exceptions to the uniqueness of coordinate vectors for a given basis?

In certain situations, coordinate vectors may not be unique for a given basis. This can occur when the vector space is non-Euclidean or when the basis is not orthogonal. In these cases, there may be multiple sets of coordinate vectors that can represent a vector in the vector space with respect to the given basis.

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