Annihilator of a Direct Sum: Proving V0=U0⊕W0 for V=U⊕W

In summary, it appears that the homework statement is incorrect, and that the correct conclusion is that V^*=U^0\oplus W^0.
  • #1
Adgorn
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Homework Statement


Suppose V=U⊕W. Prove that V0=U0⊕W0. (V0= annihilator of V).

Homework Equations


(U+W)0=U0∩W0

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I don't see how this is possible. If V0=U0⊕W0, then U0∩W0={0}, and since (U+W)0=U0∩W0, it means (U+W)0={0}, but V=U⊕W, so V0={0}. I don't think this is the desirable result so it means I misunderstood something along the way, clarification would be appreciated.
 
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  • #2
Adgorn said:
(U+W)0=U0∩W0
This part is not relevant. It is not the case that ##V=U+W##. We have ##V=U\oplus W## which has a different meaning.

To get a better handle on this, think about the following: say ##u\in U^0-\{0_U\}##. What is a corresponding element of ##V## that is in ##V^0##? Then do the same for ##w\in W^0-\{0_W\}##.
 
  • #3
Adgorn said:
Suppose V=U⊕W. Prove that V0=U0⊕W0. (V0= annihilator of V).
that is wrong.
the correct conclusion must be ##V^*=U^0\oplus W^0##
Indeed,
1) it is clear that ##U^0\cap W^0=\{0\}##; it also follows from
Adgorn said:
(U+W)0=U0∩W0

2) take any function ##f\in V^*## and define a linear function ##f_U## is follows ##f_U(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in U## and ##f_U(x)=0## provided ##x\in W##;
similarly ##f_W(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in W## and ##f_W(x)=0## provided ##x\in U##.
Obviously it follows that ##f=f_U+f_W,\quad f_U\in W^0,\quad f_W\in U^0##
 
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  • #4
andrewkirk said:
This part is not relevant. It is not the case that ##V=U+W##. We have ##V=U\oplus W## which has a different meaning.

To get a better handle on this, think about the following: say ##u\in U^0-\{0_U\}##. What is a corresponding element of ##V## that is in ##V^0##? Then do the same for ##w\in W^0-\{0_W\}##.
But V=U⊕W means V=U+W and U∩W={0}, meaning the theorem still applies, doesn't it?
Also I am not familiar with the notation 0u and 0w, so i'd appreciate an explanation about that.
 
  • #5
zwierz said:
that is wrong.
the correct conclusion must be ##V^*=U^0\oplus W^0##
Indeed,
1) it is clear that ##U^0\cap W^0=\{0\}##; it also follows from

2) take any function ##f\in V^*## and define a linear function ##f_U## is follows ##f_U(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in U## and ##f_U(x)=0## provided ##x\in W##;
similarly ##f_W(x):=f(x)## provided ##x\in W## and ##f_W(x)=0## provided ##x\in U##.
Obviously it follows that ##f=f_U+f_W,\quad f_U\in W^0,\quad f_W\in U^0##
Well this does make sense, if it is indeed a misprint in the book it would not be the first one...
 

What is an annihilator of a direct sum?

An annihilator of a direct sum is an element that "kills" all other elements in the direct sum. In other words, it is an element that, when multiplied by any element in the direct sum, results in 0.

How is the annihilator of a direct sum calculated?

The annihilator of a direct sum is calculated by taking the direct sum of the annihilators of each individual element in the direct sum. In other words, the annihilator of a direct sum is the intersection of all the individual annihilators.

What is the significance of the annihilator of a direct sum?

The annihilator of a direct sum is important in linear algebra and abstract algebra as it helps us understand the structure of vector spaces and their subspaces. It also allows us to find solutions to systems of linear equations.

Can the annihilator of a direct sum be represented geometrically?

Yes, the annihilator of a direct sum can be represented geometrically as the set of all vectors that are perpendicular to every vector in the direct sum. This can also be thought of as the orthogonal complement of the direct sum.

How is the annihilator of a direct sum used in applications?

The concept of the annihilator of a direct sum is used in various applications such as signal processing, image processing, and control systems. It also has applications in quantum mechanics, where it is used to describe the null space of operators.

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