# Math Help - Vector Space

1. ## Vector Space

Does the following set of vectors constitute a vector space? Assume "standard" definitions of the operations.

The set of all $2x2$ matrices with determinant equal to zero.

If not, which condition(s) below does it fail? (Check all that apply)

A. Vector spaces must be closed under addition
B. Vector spaces must be closed under scalar multiplication
C. There must be a zero vector
D. Every vector must have an additive inverse
G. Scalar multiplication by 1 is the identity operation
H. The distributive property
I. Scalar multiplication must be associative
J. None of the above, it is a vector space

I know it's not a vector space, but I'm not sure which conditions it fails. Any insight is appreciated.

2. Originally Posted by cdlegendary
Does the following set of vectors constitute a vector space? Assume "standard" definitions of the operations.

The set of all $2x2$ matrices with determinant equal to zero.

If not, which condition(s) below does it fail? (Check all that apply)

A. Vector spaces must be closed under addition
B. Vector spaces must be closed under scalar multiplication
C. There must be a zero vector
D. Every vector must have an additive inverse
Check the sum of the matrices $A=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&0\end{pmatrix}\,,\,B=\begi n{pmatrix}0&0\\0&1\end{pmatrix}$ , both of which belong to the set you define above...