Operator is normal iff ||Tv||=||T*v||, simple proof help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on understanding the proof that the operator T*T - TT* is self-adjoint. It clarifies that the adjoint of T*T - TT* can be expressed as (T*T)* - (TT*)*, which simplifies to T*T - TT* due to the properties of adjoints. The confusion arose from a misunderstanding of the adjoint product rule, specifically (AB)* = B*A*. The clarification emphasizes that the dual property T** = T is crucial for the proof. Overall, the thread resolves the confusion regarding the self-adjoint nature of the operator.
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http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8659/linearalg.jpg I am having trouble understanding 7.6 . Specifically, getting from the 2nd line to the first line. How do we know that T*T-TT* is self adjoint?
 
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(AB)*= B*A* and (A*)*= A.

The adjoint of T*T-TT* is (T*T- TT*)*= (T*T)*- (TT*)*= (T*)(T**)- (T**)T*. And the adjoint is 'dual'- that is, T**= T so that becomes T*T- TT* again.
 
HallsofIvy said:
(AB)*= B*A* and (A*)*= A.

The adjoint of T*T-TT* is (T*T- TT*)*=(T*T)*- (TT*)*= (T*)(T**)- (T**)T*. And the adjoint is 'dual'- that is, T**= T so that becomes T*T- TT* again.

Ahh thank you very much, I got confused and thought (AB)*=A*B*.
 
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