Problem 44: Prove that the set of all rational numbers is NOT a vector space over $\R$
Solution: If $x=p/q$ and $y=r/s$, where $p,q,r,s$ are integers$(q \ne 0, s \ne 0)$, then $x+y = (ps+qr)/(qs)$, which is a rational number. Consequently, the set of all rational nmbers is closed under addition.
The number 1 is a rational number, and $\sqrt 2$ is a irrational number. Since $\sqrt 2.1 = \sqrt 2$ is irrational, the set of all rational numbers is not closed under scalar multiplication with scalars drawn from $\R$. Hence, the set of all rational numbers is NOT a vector space over $\R$
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