Proving Projection Matrices Using Definition | Exam Practice Problems

Click For Summary
To prove that if projv = u(sub A), then A = A^2 and A = A^T, one must understand the properties of projection matrices. The uniqueness of the projection implies that re-projecting a vector already in the subspace yields the same vector, leading to the conclusion that A^2 = A. For the symmetry property A = A^T, it is essential to show that Ax dot y equals x dot Ay for all vectors x and y, which can be demonstrated by considering their representations in the subspace and its orthogonal complement. Utilizing the definitions of projection and the relationships between the dimensions of the spaces involved will aid in constructing a rigorous proof. Understanding these concepts is crucial for mastering projection matrices in preparation for the exam.
renolovexoxo
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
I'm doing practice problems for my exam, but I don't really know how to get this one. I'd like to just be able to understand it before my test if anyone can help explain it!

Prove from the definition of projection (given below) that if projv=u(sub A) then A=A^2 and A=A^T. (Hint: for the latter, show that Ax dot y=x dot Ay for all x,y. It may be helpful to write x and y as the sum of vectors in V and V perp.

Def: Let V in Rm be a subspace, and let b be an element of Rm. We define the projection of b onto V to be the unique vector p that is an element of V with the property that b-p is an element of V-perp. We write p=projv b
 
Physics news on Phys.org
renolovexoxo said:
I'm doing practice problems for my exam, but I don't really know how to get this one. I'd like to just be able to understand it before my test if anyone can help explain it!

Prove from the definition of projection (given below) that if projv=u(sub A) then A=A^2 and A=A^T. (Hint: for the latter, show that Ax dot y=x dot Ay for all x,y. It may be helpful to write x and y as the sum of vectors in V and V perp.

Def: Let V in Rm be a subspace, and let b be an element of Rm. We define the projection of b onto V to be the unique vector p that is an element of V with the property that b-p is an element of V-perp. We write p=projv b

Hey renolovexoxo and welcome to the forums.

For the A^2 = A proof, we are given that the projection must be a unique vector which means that if re-project an existing vector that is projected onto some projection subspace that it will be the same. What does this imply about reprojecting an existing projection and how that relates to A^2 (Hint: if Proj(X) = AX, and Proj(AX) = Proj(X) then what is the implications?) You will have to probably use the definitions you have been given for an actual projection to get a proper proof expected by your professor/teacher, but the above idea should give you a better hint.

For the A^T I think the hint is a very good one. I would recommend you expand out the definitions of Ax dot y and x dot Ay where A and Aperp form your initial space: In other words, dim(A) + dim(A_perp) = dim(Rm) = m.
 
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?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K