Linear independence of orthogonal and orthonormal sets?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the linear independence of orthogonal and orthonormal sets of vectors, particularly in the context of the Gram-Schmidt process and a textbook's statements regarding these concepts. Participants explore the implications of including the zero vector in orthogonal sets and the definitions of orthogonality and orthonormality.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that every orthogonal set is linearly independent, while the textbook claims it is false, leading to confusion about the distinction between orthogonal and orthonormal sets.
  • Another participant points out that adding the zero vector to an orthogonal set would make it linearly dependent.
  • It is noted that the textbook's definition of orthogonal sets includes the zero vector, which contributes to the potential for linear dependence.
  • A participant clarifies that an orthonormal set must consist of vectors that are orthogonal and have a length of 1, thus excluding the zero vector and ensuring linear independence.
  • There is a suggestion that every orthonormal set can be considered a basis, which is inherently linearly independent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the presence of the zero vector in an orthogonal set affects its linear independence, but there is no consensus on the textbook's interpretation of orthogonal sets versus orthonormal sets.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the importance of definitions in determining the properties of vector sets, particularly regarding the inclusion of the zero vector and its implications for linear independence.

Riemannliness
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
(Note: this isn't a homework question, I'm reviewing and I think the textbook is wrong.)

I'm working through the Gram-Schmidt process in my textbook, and at the end of every chapter it starts the problem set with a series of true or false questions. One statement is:

-Every orthogonal set is linearly independent. ->My answer:True; Text: False

What's the deal? I thought orthogonality => linear independence. I know if the statement was the other way around then it would be false, since Linear independence =/> orthogonality.
I'd usually write it off as a typo, but the next statement is:

-Every orthonormal set is linearly independent,

which is true in my opinion and the text's, and that makes me think that there's a distinction being pointed out between orthogonal sets and orthonormal sets that I've missed.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Take an orthogonal set of vectors. Add the zero vector to it. What happens?
 
Oh snap! Good one.
 
Does the book's definition of orthogonal sets allow the 0 vector to be a member?
 
Yes, the book takes the stance that the zero vector is orthogonal to every vector.
 
Need some clarification myself as well:

An orthogonal set is not always linearly independent because you could have a 0 vector in it, which would make the set dependent.

But an orthonormal set must contain vectors that are all orthogonal to each other AND have length of 1, which the 0 vector would not satisfy.

Is that the right logic?
 
Yes.
 
Or perhaps you could argue that every orthonormal set contains vectors which are orthogonal with each other and this set is also a basis. Every basis is linearly independent. ==> every orthonormal set is L.I.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K