AFFINE SPACE Meaning and
Definition
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Affine space is a geometric structure that holds significance in the study of mathematics, specifically in the field of geometry. In simple terms, an affine space is a set of points where the notion of direction and distance is not explicitly defined. Instead, it focuses on the relationship between points and the vectors that connect them.
In more technical terms, an affine space consists of a non-empty set of points, equipped with a vector space called the associated vector space. This vector space provides the means to compute the difference between any two points in the affine space, resulting in a vector. However, the affine space itself does not define any specific origin point within it.
This structure is utilized to study various mathematical concepts, such as transformations, linear combinations, and equations of lines and planes. It allows for the examination of geometric properties and relationships of objects without being restricted to a particular coordinate system.
Unlike other geometric structures, such as Euclidean spaces, affine spaces are not bound by the presence of a metric or coordinate system. This lack of constraints makes them highly versatile and applicable to diverse mathematical and geometrical contexts.
In summary, an affine space is a geometric structure comprising points and vectors, where direction and distance are not explicitly defined. It offers a flexible framework for studying geometrical concepts without relying on a specific coordinate system.
Etymology of AFFINE SPACE
The word "affine" has its origins in the Latin word "affinis", which means "related" or "connected". In mathematics, an affine space is a concept that was introduced and developed by the French mathematician Élie Cartan in the early 20th century. The term was derived from the notion of having a "relation" or "connection" to Euclidean space, as an affine space is a generalization of Euclidean space that retains its algebraic structure while removing the notion of distance and angles.
