Let X = {x0,x1,x2...xn} be a set of distinct reals, consider the vectors
(for simplicity let 0^0=1)
v0 = (x0^0,x0^1,...x0^n)
v1 = (x1^0,x1^1,...x1^n)
v2 = (x2^0,x2^1,...x2^n)
...
vn = (xn^0,xn^1,...xn^n)
Is the set {v1,...vn} linearly independent for all sets X? If so please give a proof, otherwise please give a counter example.
If they are not independent what are some conditions I could place on X to make sure they are always independent.
Also, is there a nice formula for the inverse of this matrix? If not, is there a nice formula for the inverse of the matrix you get when using a specific set X?
Thanks