1. ## Linearly independent coordinate vectors help please?

I'm having trouble with proofs in linear algebra. I don't know where to start and how to go about the proofs.Any help would be appreciated.

(1) Let S be a basis for an n-dimensional vector space. Show that a set of vectors {v1,v2,...,vr} form a linearly independent set if and only if their coordinate vectors with respect to S namely (v1)s, (v2)s , ..., (vr)s are linearly independent in R^n.
I know that S being a basis for an n-dimensional vector space means that it is linearly independent and spans R^n but I don't know how to relate this to the proof.

(2)Show that if {v1,v2,...vr} span V, then (v1)s ,(v2)s ,..., (vr)s span R^n and conversely.
(This is a follow up from the previous question) I don't know where to start.

Any input would help. Thanks in advance

2. Originally Posted by chocaholic
I'm having trouble with proofs in linear algebra. I don't know where to start and how to go about the proofs.Any help would be appreciated.

(1) Let S be a basis for an n-dimensional vector space. Show that a set of vectors {v1,v2,...,vr} form a linearly independent set if and only if their coordinate vectors with respect to S namely (v1)s, (v2)s , ..., (vr)s are linearly independent in R^n.
I know that S being a basis for an n-dimensional vector space means that it is linearly independent and spans R^n but I don't know how to relate this to the proof.
The definition of "linearly independent" is that the only way we can have $a_1v_1+ a_2v_2+ \cdot\cdot\cdot+ a_rv_r= 0$ is to have $a_1= a_2= \cdot\cdot\cdot= a_r= 0$. Write the equation $a_1v_1+ a_2v_2+ \cdot\cdot\cdot+ a_rv_r= 0$ in terms of $(v_1)s$, $(v_2)s$, ..., $(v_3)s$ to get an equation in R^n.

(2)Show that if {v1,v2,...vr} span V, then (v1)s ,(v2)s ,..., (vr)s span R^n and conversely.
(This is a follow up from the previous question) I don't know where to start.

Any input would help. Thanks in advance
The definition of "span V" is that if v is any vector in V, then there exist numbers $a_1$, $a_2$, ..., $a_r$ such that $a_1v_1+ a_2v_2+ \cdot\cdot\cdot+ a_rv_r= y$. Again, write that equation in terms of $(v_1)s$, $(v_2)s$, ..., $(v_r)s$.

Mathematics definitions are working definitions- learn the precise words of definitions and use them in proofs.

3. ## Re: Linearly independent coordinate vectors help please?

Added: The "standard basis" in $R^n$ is the set of vectors, <1, 0, 0, ..., 0>, <0, 1, 0, ..., 0> ..., <0, 0, 0,..., 1>. So write whatever vectors you are given in that form:
if $v_1= $, $v_2= $, ..., $v_n= $.

Then $a_1v_1+ a_2v_2+ ....+ a_nv_n= $.