Normalizing an Orthogonal Basis: A Step-by-Step Guide

In summary, the Gram-Schmidt process was used to find an orthogonal basis for the set {1,t,t^2}, resulting in the set (1,x,x^2 - \frac{2}{3}). To normalize these functions, each is divided by its respective norm. The third function in the set was corrected to be x^2-\frac{1}{3}, resulting in the final orthogonal set (1,x,x^2-\frac{1}{3}).
  • #1
beetle2
111
0

Homework Statement


I have used the gram schmidt process to find an orthogonal basis for [itex]{1,t,t^2}[/itex]
which is
[itex]
(1,x,x^2 - \frac{2}{3})
[/itex]

How to i normalize these

Homework Equations



[itex]e_1=\frac{u_1}{|u_1|}[/itex]

The Attempt at a Solution



[itex]e_1=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(1)g(1)}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}[/itex]


[itex]e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x)g(x)}}=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}}[/itex]

[itex]e_3=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x^2-3)g(x^2-3)}}=\frac{x^2}{\sqrt{\frac{-62}{45}}}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
Just divide each by its norm.
 
  • #3
There is a problem with your third function. It is orthogonal to x, but not to 1. Each function has to be orthogonal to each other function in your set.
[tex]\int_{-1}^1 1 (x^2 - 2/3) dx~=~\left[\frac{x^3}{3} - (2/3)x\right]_{-1}^1~=~ -2/3[/tex]

Also, is the function x^2 - 2/3 or x^2 - 3? You are using both in your calculations.
 
  • #4
One other thing. The norm of a function is the square root of the inner product of it and itself.
beetle2 said:
[itex]e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x)g(x)}}=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}}[/itex]
You shouldn't have f(x) and g(x) in there for <x, x>, since f(x) = g(x) = x. It should be like this:
[itex]e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}x*xdx}}= ...[/itex]
 
  • #5
thanks your right my u3 should be [itex]x^2-\frac{1}{3}[/itex]
which makes
[itex]e_3=\frac{x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}*x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}dx}}= ...[/itex]

= [itex]\frac{x^2-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{frac{8}{45}}}[/itex]

hows that look

The innner product of [itex]x^2-3 and \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = 0[/itex] so they're orthogonal
 
  • #6
Much better.

For the quantity in the radical, you left off the \ before frac in your LaTeX code. That's why it looks like it does. Should look like this:
[itex]\frac{x^2-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{\frac{8}{45}}}[/itex]
 
  • #7
Thanks for your help guys much appreciated
 

1. What is normalising an orthogonal basis?

Normalising an orthogonal basis involves scaling the vectors in the basis to have a unit length of 1. This is done to simplify calculations and make it easier to work with the basis.

2. Why is normalising an orthogonal basis important?

Normalising an orthogonal basis is important because it ensures that the basis is orthonormal, meaning that all the vectors are orthogonal (perpendicular) to each other and have a unit length. This makes it easier to perform calculations and proofs involving the basis.

3. How is an orthogonal basis normalised?

An orthogonal basis can be normalised by dividing each vector in the basis by its own length. This results in all vectors having a unit length of 1, making the basis orthonormal.

4. Can any basis be normalised to become an orthogonal basis?

No, not every basis can be normalised to become an orthogonal basis. The basis must first be orthogonal (perpendicular vectors) in order for it to be normalised. Only then can it be transformed into an orthonormal basis.

5. What are the benefits of using a normalised orthogonal basis?

Using a normalised orthogonal basis makes calculations and proofs involving the basis much simpler and more intuitive. It also allows for easier visualization and understanding of the basis in geometric terms. In addition, it can help with reducing errors in calculations and making them more efficient.

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