On the linear transformation between inertial frames

Abstract

In the derivation of Lorentz transformation, linear transformation between inertial frames is one of the most important steps. In teaching special relativity, we usually use the homogeneity and isotropy of spacetime to argue that the transformation must be linear transformation without providing any rigorous detail. Here in the first time we provide a solid mathematical proof of the argument that the transformation between two inertial frames must be linear because of the homogeneity and isotropy of spacetime.