Compute llg-fll^2 in C(1,3) Real Linear Space

  • Thread starter Thread starter Cassi
  • Start date Start date
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 1K views
Cassi
Messages
18
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


In the real linear space C(1, 3) with inner product (f, g) = intergal (1 to 3) (f(x)g(x))dx, let f(x) = 1/x. Knowing that g = (1/2)log3 is the constant polynomial g that is nearest to f. Compute llg-fll2 for this g.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I devised llg-fll = llgll - llfll = sqrt(g, g) - sqrt(f,f). Therefore, llg-fll2 = (g, g) - (f, f)
Using the equations, this equals integral(1 to 3)(1/2log3)2dx - integral (1 to 3)(1/x)2dx
Simplifying I get (1/2log3)2x evaluated from 1 to 3 +1/x evaluated from 1 to 3 = log23-2/3

My book says the answer is supposed to be 2/3 - 1/2log23 but I do not get this. Where am I going wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Cassi said:

Homework Statement


In the real linear space C(1, 3) with inner product (f, g) = intergal (1 to 3) (f(x)g(x))dx, let f(x) = 1/x. Knowing that g = (1/2)log3 is the constant polynomial g that is nearest to f. Compute llg-fll2 for this g.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I devised llg-fll = llgll - llfll = sqrt(g, g) - sqrt(f,f).

This is wrong. [tex]\|g - f\|^2 = (g,g) - 2(f,g) + (f,f).[/tex] Hence [tex]\|g - f\| = \sqrt{(g,g) - 2(f,g) + (f,f)}.[/tex] However you should in finding [itex]g[/itex] have needed to calculate [tex]\|g - f\|^2 = \|f - g\|^2 = \int_1^3 (f(t) - g(t))^2\,dt[/tex] anyway, so you can simply substitute the found [itex]g[/itex].
 
Last edited: