A Question about Notation and Continuous Linear Functionals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation and definitions related to linear functionals, particularly focusing on continuous linear functionals. Participants explore various sources and definitions, seeking clarity on standard notations and the implications of continuity in the context of linear functionals.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a definition of a continuous linear functional, noting that it depends on the choice of norm for the function space.
  • Another participant points out that if the norm of an input vector is zero, then the functional must also evaluate to zero.
  • A theorem is introduced stating that a linear function is continuous if there exists a constant such that the absolute value of the function is bounded by this constant times the norm of the input vector.
  • Participants inquire about the standard notation for the set of all linear functionals and specifically for continuous linear functionals, suggesting notations like ##V'## and ##V^*##.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definition of continuous linear functionals but express uncertainty regarding the standard notations and the completeness of the definitions provided. Multiple competing views on notation remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the completeness of definitions and the dependence on specific norms, which may affect the understanding of continuity in linear functionals.

Bashyboy
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I have reading through various sources on linear functionals, but all seem somewhat inconsistent with regard to denoting the set of all linear functionals and the set

Also, what is the standard definition of a continuous linear functional? I really couldn't find much besides
this
Let ##f : V \rightarrow \mathbb{K}## be a linear functional. It is said to be continuous if and only if for every ##x \in V##, there exists a positive number ##M## such that

##\frac{|f(x)|}{||x||} \le M##

where ##||x||## is the norm of ##x##. The least such number ##M## is called the norm of ##F##, written as ##||f||##,

which comes from http://www.solitaryroad.com/c855.html
 
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That seems right for the definition of a continuous linear functional. Clearly this is dependent on your choice of norm for your function space. Also, it implies that if ##\|x\| = 0, ## then ##f(x) = 0##.

Bashyboy said:
I have reading through various sources on linear functionals, but all seem somewhat inconsistent with regard to denoting the set of all linear functionals and the set
Was there supposed to be something here?
 
RUber said:
Was there supposed to be something here?

Sorry. I thought I had finished the sentence! What I was asking was, what is the standard notation for the set of all linear functionals, and in particular the set of all continuous linear functionals?
 
Theorem. A linear function ##f:V\to\mathbb{R}## is continuous iff there is a constant ##C## such that ##|f(x)|\le C\|x\|,\quad \forall x\in V##.
Exercise: prove this theorem.
 
Bashyboy said:
tion for the set of all linear functionals, and in particular the set of all continuous linear functionals?
One of the standard notations: ##V'## -- the space of continuous linear functions of the normed space ##V## and ##V^*## -- the space of all linear functions of ##V##
 
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