Proving a matrix is orthogonal.

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To prove a matrix is orthogonal, one must show that its transpose equals its inverse. The discussion highlights the importance of defining terms clearly, particularly the variables involved in the inverse matrix equation. Participants emphasize the need to compute the transpose and inverse of the given matrix and verify their equality. Clarification is provided regarding the summation limits and the relationship between the inner product and matrix multiplication. Understanding these concepts is crucial for successfully proving orthogonality.
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Homework Statement



Question 10a of the attached paper.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



If a matrix is orthogonal, its transpose is its inverse.

The inverse U^{-1} is defined by ƩU^{-1}ij Vj = uj

I don't know how to go about proving this. Thanks for any help!
 

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There is no attached paper! Also your given definition of "inverse" can't be true because it makes no sense- you haven't said what Vj and uj are (and you must mean ui, not uj because you should be summing over j). If you are given a specific matrix, you need to answer three questions:
1) What is its transpose?
2) What is its inverse?
3) Are they the same?
 
I attached the paper about a minute after I posted; I think it's there now. :-)
 
Also, the sum is from j=1 to n. So the ith element of the vector u is the sum of the elements of one row of the matrix U with the elements of the vector j.
 
Take the inner product of vi and vj using their expansion in terms of u's, and consider how your answer relates to matrix multiplication
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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