A certian Linear Algebra gimmick needed for a part of my project

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion centers around proving a property involving a matrix \( A \) of size \( n \times n \) and a vector \( v \) of size \( n \times 1 \). The property in question is that \( v^T A v = v^T A^T v \). Participants are seeking a rigorous proof for this assertion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss intuitive understandings of the equation, with one providing a specific example using matrices and vectors. Questions are raised about the dimensions of the expressions involved and the properties of transposing matrix products.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights and examples, while others are questioning the assumptions and definitions involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the mathematical properties relevant to the proof, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the importance of including work in initial posts to adhere to forum guidelines, indicating a focus on the learning process and proper engagement in the discussion.

aashish.v
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1. I need to prove that for any matrix A(n,n) and a vector v(n,1) the following is true...

vTAv=vTATv


So far I wasn't able to think of anyway for proving this... any help will be appreciated.
 
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I do understand intuitively how this can be true...
Because of the arrangement of the equation, both side of the equation gets the same value.
I am able to show that with small example,,

[tex] A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}<br /> p & q\\<br /> r & s<br /> \end{array}\right],v=\left[\begin{array}{cc}<br /> a & b\end{array}\right]<br /> <br /> \Rightarrow v'Av=v'A'v=a^{2}p+abr+abq+b^{2}s[/tex]

But I need rigorous proof for the same...

Thank you. :)
 
What is the dimension of vTAv and vTATv?
What is (vTAv)T? How do you transpose a matrix product?



ehild
 
aashish.v said:
I do understand intuitively how this can be true...
Because of the arrangement of the equation, both side of the equation gets the same value.
I am able to show that with small example,,

[tex] A=\left[\begin{array}{cc}<br /> p & q\\<br /> r & s<br /> \end{array}\right],v=\left[\begin{array}{cc}<br /> a & b\end{array}\right]<br /> <br /> \Rightarrow v'Av=v'A'v=a^{2}p+abr+abq+b^{2}s[/tex]

But I need rigorous proof for the same...

Thank you. :)

For two matrices A and B, ##\left(AB\right)^T=B^TA^T##. If you don't already know that prove it using sigma notation.
 
So this is what I understand...

since the equation [tex]v'Av[/tex] is a number... we can write...

[tex]v'Av=(v'Av)'=v'(v'A)'=v'A'v[/tex]

Am I correct?
 
Yes, that was I wanted you to do.

ehild
 
aashish.v, when you post a problem, include your work in the inital post. Without the work you show in your 2nd post, your 1st post would normally earn you a warning for an unacceptable homework request.
 

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