Linear Algebra - Singular Value Decomposition Problem

Click For Summary
The discussion revolves around finding the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of a matrix and clarifying the transformation of the vector u_2 from [1/5, -2/5]' to [1/sqrt(5), -2/sqrt(5)]', which is necessary for orthonormality. Participants emphasize that the change is due to the requirement for u_2 to be orthonormal to u_1, ensuring their dot product equals zero. Additionally, there is confusion regarding why only the positive square root is considered for singular values, with clarification that singular values are defined as the positive square roots of the eigenvalues of A*A. It is noted that using negative values would still reconstruct the original matrix A, but the standard practice is to use the positive roots. Understanding these concepts is crucial for correctly applying SVD in linear algebra.
YoshiMoshi
Messages
233
Reaction score
10

Homework Statement



Find the SVD of

equation 1.PNG


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm stuck
equation 2.PNG

equation 3.PNG

equation 4.PNG


My question is why in the solution it originally finds u_2=[1/5,-2/5]' but then says u_2=[1/sqrt(5),-2/sqrt(5)]'. I don't see what math was done in the solution to change the denominator from 5 to square root 5.

General Question - When finding the singular value...
(sigma_1)^2 = constant, why do we only consider the positive root
sigma_1 = sqrt(constant)
because the solution to the problem is
sigma_1 = +/- sqrt(constant)

Thanks for any help you can provide me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
YoshiMoshi said:
My question is why in the solution it originally finds u_2=[1/5,-2/5]' but then says u_2=[1/sqrt(5),-2/sqrt(5)]'. I don't see what math was done in the solution to change the denominator from 5 to square root 5.
You're looking for an orthonormal basis.

General Question - When finding the singular value...
(sigma_1)^2 = constant, why do we only consider the positive root
sigma_1 = sqrt(constant)
because the solution to the problem is
sigma_1 = +/- sqrt(constant)

Thanks for any help you can provide me.
What's the definition you're using of a singular value?
 
Sorry I don't understand. It has to be orthornormal to u_1 so taking the dot product with u_1 and u_2 has to be zero and that's were it comes from?

I'm talking about just when it finds sigma_1 and sigma_2 why don't we consider the negative square root into our calculation when we find SVD? Like when we form the sigma matrix it's the singular values in a diagonal matrix, so I just don't understand really why we don't consider the negative root.
 
YoshiMoshi said:
Sorry I don't understand. It has to be orthornormal to u_1 so taking the dot product with u_1 and u_2 has to be zero and that's were it comes from?
No.

I'm talking about just when it finds sigma_1 and sigma_2 why don't we consider the negative square root into our calculation when we find SVD? Like when we form the sigma matrix it's the singular values in a diagonal matrix, so I just don't understand really why we don't consider the negative root.
Look up the definition of a singular value..
 
YoshiMoshi said:
why don't we consider the negative square root into our calculation when we find SVD?
Singular values of a ##A## is defined to be the positive square root of the eigenvalues of ##A^*A##.
Nevertheless, if you choose to use the negative ones, it will still give the same original matrix ##A##.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K