Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization

  • Thread starter gbartel
  • Start date
In summary, it is acceptable to make a newly calculated vector orthonormal before calculating the rest of the vectors in the Gram-Schmidt process. The order in which you orthogonalize and normalize the vectors does not matter, so you can choose to do either first or alternate between the two.
  • #1
gbartel
2
0
I have a question regarding the Gram-Schmidt process. When solving for the new subspace, is it okay to make a newly calculated vector orthonormal before calculating the rest of the vectors? I've always first solved for the vectors then made all the calculated vectors orthonormal, but I'd like to make each vector orthonormal directly after each one is calculated. I figured this might corrupt the vectors beyond the first one.

Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, that is okay. You can first orthogonalize all and then normalize all, or immediately normalize after you have orthogonalized, or normalize some in between the orthogonalization, whatever you want, the order does not matter.
 
  • #3
Awesome thanks!
 

1. What is Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization?

Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization is a mathematical technique used to transform a set of linearly independent vectors into a set of orthonormal vectors. This process involves a series of steps that result in each vector being perpendicular to all the previous vectors and having a unit magnitude.

2. Why is Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization important?

Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization is important because it allows us to simplify complex vector calculations and make them more computationally efficient. It also helps us to better understand the geometric properties of a set of vectors and can be used in various applications, such as signal processing and data analysis.

3. How is Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization performed?

The Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization process involves the following steps:

  • Start with a set of linearly independent vectors.
  • Normalize the first vector to have a unit magnitude.
  • Project the second vector onto the first vector and subtract this projection from the second vector.
  • Normalize the resulting vector to have a unit magnitude.
  • Repeat the projection and normalization process for each subsequent vector until all vectors have been orthonormalized.

4. What is the difference between orthogonal and orthonormal vectors?

Orthogonal vectors are two vectors that are perpendicular to each other, meaning their dot product is equal to zero. Orthonormal vectors are a set of orthogonal vectors that also have a unit magnitude. In other words, they are not only perpendicular but also have a length of 1.

5. Can Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization be applied to any set of vectors?

No, Gram-Schmidt Orthonormalization can only be applied to a set of linearly independent vectors. If the vectors are not linearly independent, the process will result in a division by zero error. Additionally, the process may not be well-defined if the vectors are not in a finite-dimensional vector space.

Similar threads

  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
7
Views
811
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
3K
Back
Top