Basis of Orthogonal Complement

In summary, the basis of orthogonal complement is a set of vectors that are orthogonal to a given vector space. To find the basis, the Gram-Schmidt process can be used. The relationship between a vector space and its orthogonal complement is that the latter is a subspace of the former and shares the same zero vector. The concept of orthogonal complement is important in linear algebra as it allows for the definition of perpendicularity and can aid in solving systems of linear equations. The basis of orthogonal complement can be empty if the original vector space is the zero vector space.
  • #1
georgetown13
7
0
Let S be the subspace of R^3 spanned by x=(1,-1,1)^T.

Find a basis for the orthogonal complement of S.

I don't even know where to start... I would appreciate your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If (a,b,c)^T is a general vector in R^3 then it's orthogonal to (1,-1,1)^T if the dot product is zero. What conditions does that give you on a, b and c?
 

What is the basis of orthogonal complement?

The basis of orthogonal complement is a set of vectors that are orthogonal (perpendicular) to a given vector space. This means that the dot product of any two vectors in the basis is equal to zero. The basis of orthogonal complement is also known as the basis of the null space.

How do you find the basis of orthogonal complement?

To find the basis of orthogonal complement, you can use the Gram-Schmidt process. This involves taking a basis for the vector space and applying the process to each vector in the basis. This will result in a set of orthogonal vectors that span the same space as the original basis. These orthogonal vectors form the basis of the orthogonal complement.

What is the relationship between a vector space and its orthogonal complement?

The orthogonal complement of a vector space is a subspace of the original vector space. This means that the basis of orthogonal complement and the original vector space share the same zero vector. Additionally, any vector in the basis of orthogonal complement is orthogonal to all vectors in the original vector space.

Why is the concept of orthogonal complement important in linear algebra?

The concept of orthogonal complement is important in linear algebra because it allows us to define the concept of perpendicularity in vector spaces. This is useful in many applications, including in geometry, physics, and engineering. Additionally, the basis of orthogonal complement can help us find solutions to systems of linear equations and understand the structure of vector spaces.

Can the basis of orthogonal complement be empty?

Yes, the basis of orthogonal complement can be empty. This occurs when the original vector space is the zero vector space, meaning that it only contains the zero vector. In this case, there are no vectors that are orthogonal to all vectors in the zero vector space, so the basis of orthogonal complement is empty.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
345
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
498
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
441
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
653
Back
Top