Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-mathematics-course-of-the-university-of-oxford/2023/prelims/mathematics-i/2/a/iii/solution

Every has a unique basis expansion . Define the linear functional
Uniqueness of the coordinates makes this definition well defined. The coordinates of a sum or a scalar multiple are the corresponding sums or scalar multiples of the coordinates, so this formula defines a linear map. It has . Conversely, any linear map with those values must satisfy the same formula by linearity, proving uniqueness.
If the finite field has elements, each of the values can be chosen independently in ways. The number of linear maps is therefore , including the zero linear map.

New to topics? Read the docs here!