# Thread: Prove 2 bases have the same cardinality

1. ## Prove 2 bases have the same cardinality

My attempt

Let V be a finite- dimensional vector space. Let B = ${{v_1},...{v_n}}$ and B'= ${{u_1,...,u_m}}$ be 2 bases for B. By the (one half of) exchange lemma, a spanning set has at least as many elements as a lin. independent set. Hence m is greater than or equal to n and n is greater than or equal to m. So m=n

When I set out to do this proof I thought I would have to use all the exchange lemma so I'm a bit unsure of my 'proof'. Thanks

2. ## Re: Prove 2 bases have the same cardinality

Originally Posted by Duke
My attempt

Let V be a finite- dimensional vector space. Let B = ${{v_1},...{v_n}}$ and B'= ${{u_1,...,u_m}}$ be 2 bases for B. By the (one half of) exchange lemma, a spanning set has at least as many elements as a lin. independent set. Hence m is greater than or equal to n and n is greater than or equal to m. So m=n

When I set out to do this proof I thought I would have to use all the exchange lemma so I'm a bit unsure of my 'proof'. Thanks
Yes, that's a good proof.