Vector space is a generalisation of vectors. For example, addition and multiplication of two functions f(x) and g(x) is done point by point , i.e., (f+g)(x) = f(x) +g(x), for each point x in the common domain. Multiplication of a function f(x) by a scalar 'a' is also defined point by point i.e. (af)(x) = af(x) for every point x in the domain of the function. This is like addition of two vectors component by component. What is important is 'linearity' i.e., (af+bg)(x) = af(x) +bg(x). Linearity means 'closure' in other words, i.e., one cannot get out of the set merely by addition or scalar multiplication of elements of the set. Vectors cannot be written without being multiplied by a scalar; e.g., any vector v means 1.v; just like a consonant cannot be pronounced without being combined with a vowel. These are the features that characterise vector spaces, rightly...