Normalizing an Orthogonal Basis

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The discussion focuses on normalizing an orthogonal basis derived from the Gram-Schmidt process for the set {1, t, t^2}. The user initially presents their calculations for the normalized functions but encounters issues with the third function's orthogonality. It is clarified that each function must be orthogonal to all others in the set, and corrections are made regarding the expressions used for normalization. The correct normalization process involves ensuring the inner products are accurately calculated, particularly for the function x^2 - 1/3. The thread concludes with the user expressing gratitude for the assistance received in resolving the normalization issues.
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Homework Statement


I have used the gram schmidt process to find an orthogonal basis for {1,t,t^2}
which is
<br /> (1,x,x^2 - \frac{2}{3})<br />

How to i normalize these

Homework Equations



e_1=\frac{u_1}{|u_1|}

The Attempt at a Solution



e_1=\frac{1}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(1)g(1)}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}


e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x)g(x)}}=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}}

e_3=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x^2-3)g(x^2-3)}}=\frac{x^2}{\sqrt{\frac{-62}{45}}}
 
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Just divide each by its norm.
 
There is a problem with your third function. It is orthogonal to x, but not to 1. Each function has to be orthogonal to each other function in your set.
\int_{-1}^1 1 (x^2 - 2/3) dx~=~\left[\frac{x^3}{3} - (2/3)x\right]_{-1}^1~=~ -2/3

Also, is the function x^2 - 2/3 or x^2 - 3? You are using both in your calculations.
 
One other thing. The norm of a function is the square root of the inner product of it and itself.
beetle2 said:
e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}f(x)g(x)}}=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}}
You shouldn't have f(x) and g(x) in there for <x, x>, since f(x) = g(x) = x. It should be like this:
e_2=\frac{x}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}x*xdx}}= ...
 
thanks your right my u3 should be x^2-\frac{1}{3}
which makes
e_3=\frac{x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{\int_{-1}^{1}x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}*x^{2}-\frac{1}{3}dx}}= ...

= \frac{x^2-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{frac{8}{45}}}

hows that look

The innner product of x^2-3 and \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} = 0 so they're orthogonal
 
Much better.

For the quantity in the radical, you left off the \ before frac in your LaTeX code. That's why it looks like it does. Should look like this:
\frac{x^2-\frac{1}{3}}{\sqrt{\frac{8}{45}}}
 
Thanks for your help guys much appreciated
 

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