Gram-schmidts orthonormalization

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The discussion revolves around applying the Gram-Schmidt process to a subset S of an inner product space V to obtain an orthonormal basis. The specific vectors in S are complex, which adds a layer of complexity to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of the Gram-Schmidt process and express confusion regarding the length of complex vectors. Questions arise about the calculation of lengths and the use of the complex inner product.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the calculation of vector lengths in complex spaces, while others are exploring specific examples and seeking further understanding. There is an ongoing exchange of ideas without a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of working with complex vectors and inner products, with some expressing uncertainty about the definitions and calculations involved. The original poster seeks a step-by-step solution, indicating a desire for guided assistance rather than direct answers.

jbear12
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Apply Gram-Schmidts process to the sebust S of the inner product space V to obtain an orthogonal basis for span(S). Then normalize the vectors in this basis to obtain an orthognormal basis for span(S)

V=span(S) where S={(1,i,0), (1-i,2,4i)} and x=(3+i,4i,-4).

Isn't the length of (1,i,0) zero? I'm confused about finding orthonormal basis for a complex set. Can anyone solve this problem step by step for me?
Thank you very much!
 
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jbear12 said:
Apply Gram-Schmidts process to the sebust S of the inner product space V to obtain an orthogonal basis for span(S). Then normalize the vectors in this basis to obtain an orthognormal basis for span(S)

V=span(S) where S={(1,i,0), (1-i,2,4i)} and x=(3+i,4i,-4).

Isn't the length of (1,i,0) zero? I'm confused about finding orthonormal basis for a complex set. Can anyone solve this problem step by step for me?
Thank you very much!
I won;t solve the problem for you, but am happy to have a look at your work

the length of a= (1,i,0) is not zero, it is usually given by the complex innner product, which in matrix notation, if a is a complex column vector this becomes
||a||^2 = <a,a> = (a^*)^Ta[/
where * denotes the complex conjugate

so just like a dot product, but with the complex conjugate of itself
 
Thank you lanedance. I realized it after some searching on the internet. :)
I have another dumb question...:P
What's the length of (1-5i/2, 7-i/2,4i)? Is it the square root of (1-5i/2)squared+(7-i/2)squared+(4i)squared, where i2=-1?
 
the length squred will be the following dot product
(1-5i/2, 7-i/2,4i)* \bullet (1-5i/2, 7-i/2,4i)

so taking the congujate
= (1+5i/2, 7+i/2,-4i) \bullet (1-5i/2, 7-i/2,4i)

then the multiply out as a normal dot product

if you're still confused, start with: what is the magnitude of the 1+5i/2 in the 1D complex space?
 
Last edited:
I get it.
Thank you very much, lanedance. :)
 

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