Densely defined linear operators on Hilbert space and their ranges

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The discussion centers on whether the range of an injective, densely defined linear operator T on a Hilbert space is dense in that space. There is a conflict between interpretations of theorems from Kreyszig and a professor's notes, with the professor suggesting the answer is "YES" while Kreyszig indicates "NO." An example using the map from \(\ell^2\) illustrates that an injective, continuous operator can have a non-dense range. The conversation also touches on the definition of invertible operators, clarifying that an operator is considered invertible if it has a corresponding operator that satisfies specific conditions regarding their domains and ranges. The topic ultimately emphasizes the nuances in operator theory and the importance of definitions in understanding operator properties.
AxiomOfChoice
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Suppose T is an injective linear operator densely defined on a Hilbert space \mathcal H. Does it follow that \mathcal R(T) is dense in \mathcal H? It seems right, but I can't make the proof work...

There is a theorem that speaks to this issue in Kreyszig, and also in the notes provided by my professor; however, my professor's notes seem to indicate that the answer to the above question is "YES", whereas Kreyszig seems to indicate that it's "NO".

Oh...and if micromass reads this, then: Thank you, so much, for helping me out over the past several days.
 
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Not at all, assuming that R(T) refers to the range of T. Let H=\ell^2, and consider the map (x_1, x_2, x_3, \ldots) \mapsto (0, x_1, x_2, x_3, \ldots). This is everywhere defined, injective, and even continuous, but the range is not dense in H.
 
It's (by definition) true for invertible operators however (that is: densely defined operators with a densely defined inverse). Maybe your professor meant that??
 
micromass said:
It's (by definition) true for invertible operators however (that is: densely defined operators with a densely defined inverse). Maybe your professor meant that??

That is indeed possible. This all revolves around a theorem which intends to prove that T^* is injective and (T^*)^{-1} = (T^{-1})^*.

I'm interested in your definition of "invertible operator", though...this is the first time I've heard that! Does that pertain to something specific (i.e., spectral theory of linear operators on Banach spaces)?
 
Citan Uzuki said:
Not at all, assuming that R(T) refers to the range of T. Let H=\ell^2, and consider the map (x_1, x_2, x_3, \ldots) \mapsto (0, x_1, x_2, x_3, \ldots). This is everywhere defined, injective, and even continuous, but the range is not dense in H.

Great. Thanks a lot.
 
AxiomOfChoice said:
That is indeed possible. This all revolves around a theorem which intends to prove that T^* is injective and (T^*)^{-1} = (T^{-1})^*.

I'm interested in your definition of "invertible operator", though...this is the first time I've heard that! Does that pertain to something specific (i.e., spectral theory of linear operators on Banach spaces)?

Well, an operator T with dense domain D(T) is invertible if there exists an operator S with dense domain D(S) such that D(T)=R(S), D(S)=R(T) and STx=x for all x.

Since your theorem deals with invertible operators, I think that this is indeed the case here...
 

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