Angle Between 1 and x in C[0,1] Using Inner Product (3)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between the functions 1 and x in the context of the inner product space C[0,1], where the inner product is defined by the integral of the product of two functions over the interval [0,1]. Participants are exploring the implications of this definition on calculating the angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss computing the inner product of the functions 1 and x, questioning how this relates to finding the angle between them. There are references to generalizing the concept of angle from ordinary vectors to this inner product space.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided calculations of the inner products and expressed confusion regarding the resulting values and their implications for the angle. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the computed inner products and the cosine of the angle, with some participants questioning the validity of the results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and properties of inner products in the context of function spaces, and there are indications of misunderstandings regarding the calculations and interpretations of the results.

Dustinsfl
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In C[0,1], with inner product defined by (3), consider the vectors 1 and x.

Find the angle theta between 1 and x.

(3)[tex]\int_{0}^{1}f(x)g(x)dx[/tex]

Find the angle theta between 1 and x

I don't know what to do with polynomial inner product vector space
 
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Can't you compute the inner product of 1 and x given the definition?
 
Yes but how is that going to find the angle?
 
How would you find the angle between two ordinary vectors? Wouldn't you use something like this?

[itex]u \cdot v = |u| |v| cos(\theta)[/itex]

This idea can be generalized to any inner product space.
 
After taking the integral, I obtain 1/2. How does that help me obtain the angle of pi/6?
 
Dustinsfl said:
After taking the integral, I obtain 1/2. How does that help me obtain the angle of pi/6?

Didn't you see Mark44's suggestion? Set u=1 and v=x and then figure out u.v, |u|, |v| and then what cos(theta) is. Remember |v|=sqrt(v.v). It's a number, not a function.
 
By definition, <1,1> is the integral from 0 to 1 of 1^2 which is 1/2.
And <x,x> is the integral from 0 to 1 of x^2 which is 1/3.

Now the equation is 1/2=1/6 cos theta so theta is arccos 3 which isn't pi/6.
 
Dustinsfl said:
By definition, <1,1> is the integral from 0 to 1 of 1^2 which is 1/2.
And <x,x> is the integral from 0 to 1 of x^2 which is 1/3.

Now the equation is 1/2=1/6 cos theta so theta is arccos 3 which isn't pi/6.

The integral of 1*1 from 0 to 1 is 1/2? And I already warned you that |x|=sqrt(<x,x>).
 
1 sorry. The definition of inner product on this space is (3)

<u, v>=[tex]\int_{0}^{1}f(x)g(x)[/tex] which implies <x, x>=[tex]\int_{0}^{1}x^{2}=1/3[/tex].


So now we have 1/2=1/3 cos theta and now 3/2=cos theta which is greater than 1 so it doesn't exist.
 
  • #10
Dustinsfl said:
1 sorry. The definition of inner product on this space is (3)

<u, v>=[tex]\int_{0}^{1}f(x)g(x)[/tex] which implies <x, x>=[tex]\int_{0}^{1}x^{2}=1/3[/tex].


So now we have 1/2=1/3 cos theta and now 3/2=cos theta which is greater than 1 so it doesn't exist.

<x,x> is 1/3. That doesn't mean |x|=1/3.
 
  • #11
Ok I understand now.
 

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