Definition:Real Vector Space

Definition
Let $\R$ be the set of real numbers.

Then the $\R$-module $\R^n$ is called the real ($n$-dimensional) vector space.

Also known as
A real vector space is also known as a real linear space.

Some sources refer to this as a real Euclidean space, based on the fact that $\R^2$ and $\R^3$ support Euclidean geometry.

However, this latter term is used on in the context of metric spaces to define a real Cartesian space which has the Euclidean metric applied to it.

The constructs are in fact the same thing, but the emphasis is different.

Also see
This object is proved to be a vector space in Real Vector Space is Vector Space.

The definition is also expanded upon in Real Numbers form Vector Space.

The real vector spaces have direct applications to the real world. In fact, it could be suggested that they are the interface between mathematics and physical reality, as follows:


 * From the definition of the real number line, the $\R$-vector space $\R$ is isomorphic to $\R$ to an infinite straight line.


 * From the definition of the real number plane, the $\R$-vector space $\R^2$ is isomorphic to $\R$ to an infinite flat plane.


 * The $\R$-vector space $\R^3$ can be shown (given appropriate assumptions about the nature of the universe) to be isomorphic to the spatial universe.