Help with Algebra Question: Proving T = T* with Surjectivity

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In summary, the conversation discusses a mapping question involving surjectivity. The participants are trying to show that T and T* are equal, given that B --> C satisfies TS = T*S and S is surjective. The conversation suggests using proof by contradiction and provides an example of how to do so.
  • #1
Pearce_09
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Hello,

Im having a bit of trouble with this one question, a little help would be great.

this is a mapping question involving surjectivity.

S: A --> B T: B --> C

T*: B --> C satisfies TS = T*S
And S is surjective

Show that T = T*

Now i know the defenition of surjective. I am just having trouble showing what i have to show

let x be in A and y be in B
There exists an x in A, for every y in B such that S(x) = y
--thats surjective--
but where do i go now??
 
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  • #2
Pearce09 said:
let x be in A and y be in B
There exists an x in A, for every y in B such that S(x) = y
--thats surjective--
If would phrase if differently: "For every y in B there exist x in A such that S(x)= y."
Do you see the difference? Your phrasing implies you can just pick any x and y you like in advance. You can pick y as you like, but not x!

Try proof by contradiction:
If T and T* are not equal, then there exist some y in B such that [itex]Ty
\ne T*y[/itex]. Since S is surjective, there exist x in A such that Sx= y. Then what is TSx?
What is T*Sx
 
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Related to Help with Algebra Question: Proving T = T* with Surjectivity

1. What does it mean to prove T = T* with surjectivity?

Proving T = T* with surjectivity means to show that a linear transformation T is equal to its adjoint, T*, when T is surjective. This means that T and T* have the same output values for every possible input value.

2. How is surjectivity related to proving T = T*?

Surjectivity is one of the conditions that must be met in order to prove that T = T*. If T is not surjective, then T* will not be equal to T. The surjectivity of T guarantees that every output value of T can be mapped back to an input value, which is necessary for T = T*.

3. Can you provide an example of proving T = T* with surjectivity?

Sure, let's say we have a linear transformation T: R^2 → R^2 defined by T(x,y) = (x+y, x-y). We can prove that T = T* by showing that T is surjective. Since T maps every input (x,y) to an output (x+y, x-y), we can see that every output value can be mapped back to an input value. Therefore, T is surjective and T = T*.

4. What is the importance of proving T = T* with surjectivity in algebra?

Proving T = T* with surjectivity is important in algebra because it allows us to simplify and solve equations involving linear transformations. It also helps us understand the relationship between a transformation and its adjoint, and how they can be used interchangeably in certain situations.

5. Are there any other conditions that must be met in order to prove T = T*?

Yes, there are two other conditions that must be met: T must be a bounded operator on a Hilbert space, and T must be self-adjoint. A bounded operator is one that does not grow too quickly, and a Hilbert space is a type of mathematical space. Self-adjointness means that T is equal to its own adjoint, which is a necessary condition for T = T*.

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