Orthogonal Complement in Inner Product Space: W2^\bot\subseteqW1^\bot

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between the orthogonal complements of two subspaces W1 and W2 in an inner product space V, specifically addressing the inclusion W2^\bot ⊆ W1^\bot under the condition that W1 ⊆ W2. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents the initial problem of showing that W2^\bot ⊆ W1^\bot given W1 ⊆ W2.
  • Post 2 suggests a correction regarding the notation used in the inclusion and emphasizes the need to write out definitions.
  • Post 3 offers a stylistic suggestion about the notation for orthogonal complements.
  • Post 4 asks for guidance on how to begin the proof.
  • Post 5 proposes a starting point for the proof by suggesting to consider an arbitrary element from W2^\perp and demonstrate its membership in W1^\perp, hinting at the importance of the definition of orthogonal complement.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the approach to the problem, and multiple viewpoints regarding notation and proof strategy are present.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correct notation and the initial steps needed to approach the proof, indicating a reliance on definitions that may not be fully articulated in the discussion.

chuy52506
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Let W1 and W2 be subspaces of an inner product space V with W1[tex]\subseteq[/tex]W2. Show that (the orthogonal complement denoted by [tex]\bot[/tex]) W2[tex]^\bot[/tex][tex]\subseteq[/tex]W1[tex]^\bot[/tex].
 
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You mean W1 instead of the second W2 in the latter inclusion.

Anyway, just write out the definitions. Really.
 
Just a little tip about the notation: ^\bot looks better than \bot.
 
How would you start it though?
 
You start by saying "Let [itex]x\in W_2^\perp[/itex] be arbitrary". Then you show that it's a member of [itex]W_1^\perp[/itex]. You should see how to do this if you just write down the definition of "orthogonal complement".
 

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