Does each norm on vector space become discontinuous when restricted to S^1?

In summary, the conversation discusses the proof of a problem involving two distinct norms on the same vector space over complex numbers. The conclusion is that there exists no real number K that satisfies a certain inequality. The conversation also touches on the continuity and convergence of the norms in question.
  • #1
cbarker1
Gold Member
MHB
346
23
Homework Statement
Prove that if two norms on the same vector space are not equivalent, then at least one of them is discontinuous on the unit sphere in the other norm. Does each norm become discontinuous when restricted to the unit sphere of the other?
Relevant Equations
Axioms of norm and Vector space
Dear Everybody,
I am having trouble with last part of this question.
I believe the answer is no. But I have to proof the general case. Here is my work for the problem:
Suppose that we have two distinct norms on the same vector space ##X## over complex numbers. Then there exists no ##K## in the real numbers so that ##\|\cdot\|_2\leq K\|\cdot\|_{1}.## Define a sequence of ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## unit vectors ##(x_n)_{n\in N}## so that ##\|x_n\|_2\geq 3^n.## Now ##\frac{x_1+\frac{1}{3nx_n}}{\|x_1+\frac{1}{3nx_n}\|_{1}}## is a sequence of ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## unit vectors converging to ##x_1## in ##\|\cdot \|_{1}.## But, the norm of the sequences is ##\bigg\|\frac{x_1+\frac{1}{3nx_{n}}}{\|x_1+\frac{1}{nx_{n}}\|_{1}}\bigg\|_{2}\geq \frac{|\frac{1}{3n}\|x_n\|_{2}-\|x_1\|_{2}|}{\|x_1+\frac{1}{3n}x_{n}\|_1}\geq \frac{|\frac{3^{n-1}}{n}-\|x_{1}\|_{2}|}{\|x_1+\frac{1}{3n}x_n\|_1}## does not converge in ##\|x_1\|_2,## so ##\|\cdot\|_2## is discontinuous on the unit sphere of ##\|\cdot\|_1.##
No. If we assume that ##\|\cdot\|_{1}\leq C\|\cdot\|_{2},## then we know that ##\|\cdot\|_{2}## Cauchy sequence converges in ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## and we know that ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## is continuous on the vector space ##X## and if we restricted ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## to the unit sphere.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
cbarker1 said:
Define a sequence of ##\|\cdot\|_{1}## unit vectors ##(x_n)_{n\in N}## so that ##\|x_n\|_2\geq 3^n.##
We can't just define that, since we don't know whether any such sequence exists.
We can define a sequence of ##\|\cdot\|_1## unit vectors, or we can define a sequence of vectors whose ##\|\cdot\|_2## magnitude increases as ##3^n##. But we can't just assume the existence of a sequence that has both properties.
First we'd need to prove that such a sequence exists.
 
  • Like
Likes topsquark

1. What is a norm on a vector space?

A norm is a mathematical function that assigns a non-negative value to vectors in a vector space, representing their length or magnitude. It satisfies certain properties, such as being positive definite, scalar multiplication, and the triangle inequality.

2. What is the significance of restricting a norm to S^1?

Restricting a norm to S^1, or the unit circle, means that the norm is only being applied to vectors with a length of 1. This can be useful in certain applications, such as in physics or geometry, where the magnitude of a vector is not as important as its direction.

3. Why would a norm become discontinuous when restricted to S^1?

Some norms may become discontinuous when restricted to S^1 because they may not be able to satisfy all of their properties when applied to vectors with a length of 1. This can be due to the shape of the unit circle or the specific properties of the norm itself.

4. Can you give an example of a norm that becomes discontinuous when restricted to S^1?

Yes, the Chebyshev norm is an example of a norm that becomes discontinuous when restricted to S^1. This norm measures the maximum absolute value of the vector's components, and when applied to vectors on the unit circle, it can result in a discontinuous function.

5. What are the implications of a norm becoming discontinuous when restricted to S^1?

The implications of a norm becoming discontinuous when restricted to S^1 can vary depending on the specific application. In some cases, it may not have a significant impact, but in others, it may lead to unexpected or inaccurate results. It is important for scientists to carefully consider the properties of a norm and how it will behave when restricted to S^1 before using it in their research or experiments.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
896
  • Differential Equations
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
545
Back
Top