Ortogonality of two variable functions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of orthogonality for functions of two variables, specifically examining how the definition of orthogonality extends from single-variable functions to functions of two variables. Participants explore the implications of defining an inner product in this context and the appropriate form of integrals involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that functions ##f## and ##g## are orthogonal if their integral over a specified interval equals zero, and questions how this applies to functions of two variables.
  • Another participant asserts that the definition of orthogonality is general and can be applied to double integrals, suggesting that as long as an inner product is defined, orthogonality can be established.
  • A different participant challenges the formulation of the integral presented, indicating that it should involve area elements and be defined over a measurable set in the plane rather than a single interval.
  • One participant emphasizes the necessity of defining the inner product for functions of two variables, arguing that the proposed integral results in a function of two variables rather than a scalar value.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correct formulation of integrals for defining orthogonality in two-variable functions, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the definitions of inner products and the appropriate domains for integration, which remain unspecified and could affect the discussion.

LagrangeEuler
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In functional analysis functions ##f## and ##g## are orthogonal on the interval ##[a,b]## if
\int^b_a f(x)g(x)dx=0
But what if we have functions of two variables ##f(x,y)## and ##g(x,y)## that are orthogonal on the interval ##[a,b]##. Is there some definitions
\int^b_a f(x,z)g(z,y)dz=0?
 
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Yes. The definition of "orthogonal" is very general. You can do integrals on both variables. As long as there is an "inner product" defined, the definition of "orthogonal" is also defined. And it is not hard to show that the double integral would have the properties of an inner product. (see http://mathworld.wolfram.com/InnerProduct.html )
 
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LagrangeEuler said:
But what if we have functions of two variables ##f(x,y)## and ##g(x,y)## that are orthogonal on the interval ##[a,b]##. Is there some definitions
\int^b_a f(x,z)g(z,y)dz=0?

The integral you've written is not what you seem to mean. First, it shouldn't be ##dz##, it should be ##dxdy## or ##dA## for area. Also, it shouldn't be over a single interval the way you have it written. It should be over a set in the plane. That set could be a box defined by two intervals, one over ##x## and the other over ##y##, or it could be any other arbitrarily shaped set, as long as it's measurable.
 
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Hi, you must define the inner product on the space of function in two variables, because what you write doesn't make sense, in fact ##\langle f,g\rangle=\int_{a}^{b}f(x,z)g(z,y)dz=F(x,y)## that is a function of two variables ##x,y## and not a number (with ##\langle\cdot,\cdot\rangle## I denote the inner product) ...

Ssnow
 

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