Inner product Pythagoras theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inner product Pythagorean theorem as presented in "Introduction to Hilbert Space" by N. Young, specifically focusing on the proof of the theorem regarding orthogonal systems in inner product spaces. Participants are exploring the mathematical steps required to demonstrate the theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the theorem stating that for an orthogonal system in an inner product space, the square of the norm of the sum equals the sum of the squares of the norms of the individual elements.
  • The same participant attempts to prove the theorem by expanding the left-hand side (LHS) as an inner product and simplifying it, asking for confirmation of their steps.
  • Another participant provides a clarification on the LHS and right-hand side (RHS) of the equation, noting that the equality follows from the orthogonality condition where the inner product of different elements is zero.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the clarification and shares a personal note about an upcoming exam.
  • Another post introduces an unrelated comment about principal bundles, which appears to diverge from the main topic of discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the validity of the theorem and the steps involved in the proof, but there is a divergence with the unrelated comment about principal bundles, which does not align with the main discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve all mathematical steps or assumptions involved in the proof, particularly regarding the implications of the orthogonality condition and the definitions used in the context of inner product spaces.

motlking
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Hey guys,

I am studying atm and looking at this book: "Introduction to Hilbert Space" by N.Young.

For those who have the book, I am referring to pg 32, theorem 4.4.

Theorem
If x1,...,xn is an orthogonal system in an inner product space then,

||Sum(j=1 to n) xj ||^2 = Sum(j=1 to n) ||xj||^2

Proof
Write the LHS as an inner product space and expand.

Does anyone know what steps are needed to do this?

This is what I have done:

||Sum(j=1 to n) xj ||^2 = ( Sum(j=1 to n) xj, Sum(j=1 to n) xj(conjugate))
= Sum(j=1 to n) xjxj(conjugate)
=Sum(j=1 to n) ||xj||^2 as requuired...

Is this correct?

Any help would be great for what should be an easy question :blushing:

Thanks
 
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The LHS is

\langle x_{1}+x_{2}+..., x_{1}+x_{2}+...\rangle

while the RHS is

\langle x_{1},x_{1}\rangle +\langle x_{2},x_{2}\rangle +...

and the 2 sums go up to "n". Since

\langle x_{i},x_{j} \rangle =0 \ \forall \ i\neq j

the equality follows easily.

Daniel.
 
Thanks a lot Daniel :redface: I feel a little silly, anyway wish me luck for my exam tomorrow! :approve:
 
I think you meant, principal bundle.

A principle bundle is a bundle with a moral fibre.
 

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