Orthogonal transformation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an orthogonal transformation of vectors defined by a fixed orthogonal matrix A and its effect on mutually orthogonal unit vectors. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that the transformation preserves the dot product of vectors, specifically showing that F(v)·F(w) = v·w.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to express vectors in terms of the transformation but feels hindered by the unknown matrix A. Some participants suggest using a general vector for w instead of one directly related to v, questioning the implications of the orthogonal transformation.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different representations of the vectors involved and discussing the properties of orthogonal matrices. There is an ongoing examination of the relationship between the vectors and the transformation, with some guidance provided on using general vectors.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted uncertainty regarding the specific form of the vectors and the implications of using the orthogonal matrix A in the context of the transformation. The original poster expresses a lack of clarity on how to proceed due to this uncertainty.

Lunat1c
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Homework Statement



Lets say I fix 3 mutually orthogonal unit vectors i, j and k. Consider an orthogonal transformation F of vectors defined by [tex]F(a_1i+ a_2j + a_3k)=a_1'i+a_2'k+a_3'k[/tex] where

[tex]\left( \begin{array}{ccc} a_1 \\ a_2 \\ a_3\end{array}\right) = A\left( \begin{array}{ccc} a_1' \\ a_2' \\ a_3'\end{array}\right)[/tex] for a fixed orthogonal matrix A.

How can I show that F(v).F(w)=v.w?

I tried to do this by letting

[tex]v = \left( \begin{array}{ccc} a_1 \\ a_2 \\ a_3\end{array}\right), w= \left( \begin{array}{ccc} a_1' \\ a_2' \\ a_3'\end{array}\right)[/tex]

but the fact that I don't know A is holding me back from doing this, so I think there must be some other approach.

Any help would be much appreciated
 
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I wouldn't use [tex]w=\begin{pmatrix} a_1' \\ a_2' \\ a_3'\end{pmatrix}[/tex] if I were you, since it is not a general vector, it is related to [tex]v=\begin{pmatrix} a_1 \\ a_2 \\ a_3\end{pmatrix}[/tex] by [itex]v=Aw[/itex]. Instead, you want to use a general vector like [tex]w=\begin{pmatrix} b_1 \\ b_2 \\ b_3\end{pmatrix}[/tex].

What is [itex]v\cdot w=v^Tw[/itex] if [itex]v=Av'[/itex] and [tex]w=Aw'[/itex]? What is [itex]A^TA[/itex] for an orthogonal matrix?[/tex]
 


gabbagabbahey said:
I wouldn't use [tex]w=\begin{pmatrix} a_1' \\ a_2' \\ a_3'\end{pmatrix}[/tex] if I were you, since it is not a general vector, it is related to [tex]v=\begin{pmatrix} a_1 \\ a_2 \\ a_3\end{pmatrix}[/tex] by [itex]v=Aw[/itex]. Instead, you want to use a general vector like [tex]w=\begin{pmatrix} b_1 \\ b_2 \\ b_3\end{pmatrix}[/tex].

What is [itex]v\cdot w=v^Tw[/itex] if [itex]v=Av'[/itex] and [tex]w=Aw'[/itex]? What is [itex]A^TA[/itex] for an orthogonal matrix?[/tex]
[tex] <br /> Ok, so I'll name my vectors differently. However how did you get [itex]v\cdot w=v^Tw[/itex] ?<br /> <br /> Also, in reply to your question [itex]A^TA=I[/itex][/tex]
 


[tex]v\cdot w=v^Tw[/tex]
this is just a dot product written in matrix notation, the transpose comes about as to satisy matrix multiplication, you must multiply a 1xn matrix (row vector) with a nx1 matrix (column vetcor)
 

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