Complex conjugate operator is linear

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The discussion centers on the linearity of the complex conjugate operator. While it satisfies the property A(f+g)=A(f)+A(g), it fails the scalar multiplication condition A(c*f)=c*A(f) when c is a complex scalar. Specifically, using c=i demonstrates this failure, as the complex conjugate of a complex number multiplied by i does not equal i times the complex conjugate of that number. Therefore, the complex conjugate operator is not linear. This distinction clarifies the misunderstanding regarding its linearity in the context of linear operators.
Jimmy25
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My textbook claims that the complex conjugate operator is linear. I can't see how this could be. Could someone give me an example of how it is not linear?
 
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Jimmy25 said:
My textbook claims that the complex conjugate operator is linear. I can't see how this could be. Could someone give me an example of how it is not linear?

If a function is linear then f(cx)=c*f(x). Right? Put c=i and f to be complex conjugation.
 
I thought that the definition of a linear operator was:

A(f+g)=A(f)+A(g)

(where A is a linear operator)
 
Jimmy25 said:
I thought that the definition of a linear operator was:

A(f+g)=A(f)+A(g)

(where A is a linear operator)

That's only part of it. And sure, complex conjugation satisfies that. But you also need A(c*f)=c*A(f), where c is a scalar. That's the part complex conjugation fails.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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