How Can We Prove a Vector Lies in the Orthogonal Complement of a Subset?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a vector \( v \) lies in the orthogonal complement of a subset \( S \) within a complex inner product space \( V \). The original poster presents an inequality involving the inner product of \( v \) and elements \( s \) in \( S \), seeking to establish conditions under which \( v \) is orthogonal to all elements of \( S \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of the given inequality and the properties of inner products. There is a discussion on whether the conclusion holds for all \( s \) in \( S \) and the conditions under which \( \) could equal zero.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing examination of the assumptions related to the inequality and the nature of the inner product. Some participants are questioning the validity of the original conclusion and clarifying the implications of the orthogonality condition. The dialogue indicates a productive exploration of the topic, though no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of specifying that the inequality must hold for all \( s \) in \( S \) and discuss the implications of \( \) being zero in relation to the orthogonality of \( v \) and \( S \).

rhobymic
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Homework Statement



Let V be a complex inner product space and let S be a subset of V. Suppose that v in V is a vector for which
<s,v > + <v,s> \leq <s,s>
Prove that v is in the orthogonal set S\bot

Homework Equations



We have the three inner product relations:
1) conjugate symmetry
<x,y> = \overline{&lt;y,x&gt;}

2) linearity
<x+y,z> = <x,z>+<y,z>

3) Def of a norm
||x|| = √<x,x>

There may be more that apply such as triangle inequality or the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality
but I am not sure

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that if v is in the set S\bot
then s is orthogonal to v so <s,v> = <v,s> = 0
Therefor I am guessing through all these equations and the given inequality it can be shown that <s,v>+<v,s> needs to be both ≥ 0 and ≤ 0 therefor it will be zero

Am I thinking of the way forward correctly?
Any help towards a solution would be great!

Thanks
 
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rhobymic said:

Homework Statement



Let V be a complex inner product space and let S be a subset of V. Suppose that v in V is a vector for which
<s,v > + <v,s> \leq <s,s>
For all s in S? In that case, your conclusion is not true.
If v is orthogonal to S, this is saying that <s, s>= 0 for all s in S.

Prove that v is in the orthogonal set S\bot

Homework Equations



We have the three inner product relations:
1) conjugate symmetry
<x,y> = \overline{&lt;y,x&gt;}

2) linearity
<x+y,z> = <x,z>+<y,z>

3) Def of a norm
||x|| = √<x,x>

There may be more that apply such as triangle inequality or the Cauchy–Schwarz inequality
but I am not sure

The Attempt at a Solution



I know that if v is in the set S\bot
then s is orthogonal to v so <s,v> = <v,s> = 0
Therefor I am guessing through all these equations and the given inequality it can be shown that <s,v>+<v,s> needs to be both ≥ 0 and ≤ 0 therefor it will be zero

Am I thinking of the way forward correctly?
Any help towards a solution would be great!

Thanks
 
HallsofIvy said:
For all s in S? In that case, your conclusion is not true.
If v is orthogonal to S, this is saying that <s, s>= 0 for all s in S.

I did for get to state that this was for all s in S.

Could you explain a little more why <s,s>=0

would you be referring to the fact that we may be able to pick a case where v=s and therefor
2<s,s> ≤ <s,s>
and this would only happen when <s,s> = 0 because <x,x> ≥ 0?
 
If v is in the orthogonal complement to S, then <v, s>= <s, v>= 0 so <s, s>= <v, s>+ <s, v>= 0+ 0= 0.

(No, I was not referring to the case where v= s. If s is in S and v is in the orthogonal complement to S, then v= s only if v= s= 0.)
 
HallsofIvy said:
If v is in the orthogonal complement to S, then <v, s>= <s, v>= 0 so <s, s>= <v, s>+ <s, v>= 0+ 0= 0.

(No, I was not referring to the case where v= s. If s is in S and v is in the orthogonal complement to S, then v= s only if v= s= 0.)

We are given that <s, s>≥ <v, s>+ <s, v> not that they are equal so really saying that
<v, s>+ <s, v> =0 ( something we know will be true seeing as we are proving v is in the orthogonal complement of S) only shows that <s,s> can be 0 or anything greater than zero, not defiantly 0
 

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