Inner Product of a Linear Transformation

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that a linear transformation T from a vector space V to an inner product space W defines an inner product on V if and only if T is one-to-one. The context includes properties of inner products and the implications of linear transformations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how the properties of inner products relate to the linear transformation T and its injectivity. They explore the implications of T being one-to-one and question how the inner product conditions can be used to demonstrate this.
  • Some participants suggest manipulating the expression to derive insights about the kernel of T.
  • Others inquire about the implications of being greater than zero and its relation to the kernel of T.
  • Further discussion involves examining specific cases and properties of the inner product to clarify the relationship between T and the inner product structure.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and properties of inner products and linear transformations, with some expressing uncertainty about how to proceed given the requirements of the problem. The original poster has noted difficulties in linking their reasoning to the necessary conclusions regarding T's injectivity.

gysush
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Homework Statement


Let V be a vector space over a field F = R or C. Let W be an inner product space over F. w/ inner product <*,*>. If T: V->W is linear, prove <x,y>' = <T(x),T(y)> defines an inner product on V if and only if T is one-to-one

Homework Equations


What we know, W is an inner product space, so it satisfies for x,y,z in W and c in F the properties of inner product space:
<x + z, y> = <x,y> + <z,y>
<cx,y>=c<x,y>
<x,y>= conjugate<y,x>
<x,x> > 0 if x does not = 0

T linear, thus for x,y in V and c in F
T(x+cy)=T(x) + cT(y)

Forward phase:
If <x,y>' = <T(x),T(y)> is an inner product then it satisfies the same requirements for an inner product space mentioned above.

Want to show T is one-to-one. => by def. if T: V-> W is one-to-one then for x,y in V T(x),T(y) in W...T(x)=T(y) => x=y...or equivalently the contra-positive.
Also, T is one-to-one iff Ker(T) = {0}

By def. an inner product on V is a function that assigns x,y in V/F to a scalar in F denoted by <x,y>

3. Attempt

We want to show that if T(x)=T(y) then x=y...
consider <T(x),T(y)> = <T(x),T(x)> which is > 0 unless T(x) = 0.
Now, I am failing to see how this helps at all. If <T,T> is > 0...than how does this give us any information about x and y? If T(x)=0...then this argument is the Ker argument...

So...Consider all x in V s.t. T(x)=0...we want to show x=0.

then...<T(x),T(y)> = < 0 , T(y)> = 0 = <T(y),0>

Again..I do not see how this gives us any info about x and y.

Any starting hints?
 
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Try forming T(x-y), and then form <T(x-y),T(x-y)>. I think this will give you the answer.
 
If \left\langle Tx,Ty\right\rangle is an inner product, what can you say about \left\langle Tx,Tx\right\rangle? What does this tell you about ker\left( T\right)?
 
I think I see what I was missing. I was trying to only manipulate <T(x),T(y)>.
Here is what I think now...

Let T(x)=T(y) and consider <x-y,x-y>' = <T(x-y),T(x-y)> = <T(x),T(x-y)> - <T(y),T(x-y)> Then, <x-y,x-y>' = <T(x),T(x-y)> - <T(x),T(x-y)> = 0
Then, <a,a>' = 0 implies a=0 => x-y = 0 => x=y

Then for the reverse direction Let T(x)=T(y) => x=y...consider <x + z, y>' = <T(x+z),T(y)>
then <T(x+z),T(y)> = <T(x),T(y)> + <T(z),T(y)> since W is inner product space
which equals <x,y>' + <z,y>'

Then similarly for the other the other conditions.
 

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