Is this an inner product on R3?

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SUMMARY

The defined operation =u2v2+u3v3 does not satisfy the properties of an inner product on R3 due to the exclusion of the components u1 and v1. The axioms of inner products were analyzed, revealing that while axioms 1, 2, and 3 hold, axiom 4b fails because it allows for non-zero vectors where u1 is arbitrary. This indicates that the operation cannot be classified as an inner product in R3, as it does not fulfill the necessary conditions for all vector components.

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jacko_20
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We define: <u,v>=u2v2+u3v3

For vectors u=(u1,u2,u3) and v=(v1,v2,v3) in R3.

Explain the reasons why this is not an inner product on R3.



I have completed the 4 axioms as below:

1. <u,v>= u2v3 + u3v3

=v2u2 + v3u3

=<v,u>



2.<cu,v> = cu1v2+cu2v2

= c(u2v2+u3v3)

= c<u,v>

3.<u,v+w>=u2(v2+w2)+u3(v3,w3)

= u2v2+u2w2+u3v3+u3w3

= <u,v>+<u,w>

4.a) <u,u>=u22 + u32

greater than or equal to zero as u2^2 greater than or equal to zero and u3^2 is greater than or equal to zero

b) <u,u>=0 then u2=0 and u3=0.



Somehow I've wrongly proved all the axioms :S I am assuming this does not define an inner product as it does not include u1 and v1 in the inner product, therefore cannot be an inner product in R^3. I would greatly appreciate anyone looking over my work to help me! Thanks
 
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your last step is wrong

proving u2 = u3=0 leaves u1 arbitrary and so the vector u = (u1, 0, 0) which is non-zero violates axiom 4 b).
 
Thanks mjsd! So it is correct that none of the other axioms apart from 4.b) depend on u1 or v1?
 

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