Proving that ##T## is skew-symmetric, inner product is an integration.

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the operator ##T##, defined as an integration operator on a specific function space, is skew-symmetric. The context involves inner products defined through integration, particularly focusing on functions continuous on the interval [0,1].

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of the operator ##T## and its implications for skew-symmetry. There are attempts to manipulate the inner product expressions and questions about the necessity of complex conjugates in the context of real functions. Some participants raise points about the dummy variables used in the integration process and the conditions imposed on the functions in the subspace ##V##.

Discussion Status

The discussion has progressed with various attempts to derive the skew-symmetry condition through integration by parts and manipulation of inner product expressions. Some participants have noted that certain terms simplify to zero based on the properties of the functions involved. However, there is no explicit consensus on the final proof, as participants continue to explore different aspects of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the functions in the subspace ##V##, which are defined by the condition that their integral over the interval [0,1] equals zero. This condition is central to the discussion and affects the inner product calculations.

Hall
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Homework Statement
Let ##C(0.1)## be the real linear space of all real functions continuous on ##[0,1]## with inner product
$$
\langle f , \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} f(t) ~g(t) dt $$
Let ##V## be the subspace of all ##f## such that
$$
\int_{0}^{1} f(t) dt = 0$$

Let ##T: V \to C(0,1)## be the integration operator defined by
$$
T (f(x)) = \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt$$

Prove that ##T## is skew-symmetric.
Relevant Equations
##T## will be skew-symmetric if
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = - \langle f, T(g)\rangle$$
##\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt ~ g(t) dt##
As ##\int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt## will be a function in ##x##, therefore a constant w.r.t. ##dt##, we have
##\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt ~ \int_{0}^{1} g(t) dt##

##\langle f, T(g)\rangle = \int_{0}^{1} f(t) ~ \int_{0}^{x} g(t) dt~ dt##
By the same argument, we have
##\langle f, T(g)\rangle = \int_{0}^{1} f(t) dt \int_{0}^{x} g(t) dt##

(Can someone tell me why preview button no longer produces a preview?)

What do you think how can I prove ##T## to be skew-symmetric?
 
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Don't you need the complex conjugate in there somewhere?
 
PeroK said:
Don't you need the complex conjugate in there somewhere?
Where did you see complex numbers?
 
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Hall said:
Homework Statement:: Let ##C(0.1)## be the real linear space of all real functions continuous on ##[0,1]## with inner product
$$
\langle f , \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} f(t) ~g(t) dt $$
Let ##V## be the subspace of all ##f## such that
$$
\int_{0}^{1} f(t) dt = 0$$

Let ##T: V \to C(0,1)## be the integration operator defined by
$$
T (f(x)) = \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt$$

This should be <br /> T(f)(x) = \int_0^x f(t)\,dt.

Prove that ##T## is skew-symmetric.
Relevant Equations:: ##T## will be skew-symmetric if
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = - \langle f, T(g)\rangle$$

##\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt ~ g(t) dt##
As ##\int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt## will be a function in ##x##, therefore a constant w.r.t. ##dt##, we have
##\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt ~ \int_{0}^{1} g(t) dt##

If t is the dummy variable for the inner product integration, then you need a different symbol for the dummy variable in the definition of T(f)(t). So <br /> T(f)(t) = \int_0^t f(s)\,ds and the inner product with g is <br /> \begin{split}<br /> \langle T(f),g \rangle &amp;= \int_0^1 T(f)(t)g(t)\,dt \\<br /> &amp;= \int_0^1 \int_0^t f(s)\,ds\,g(t)\,dt. \end{split}<br /> But it is simpler to define F = T(f) and note that F&#039; = f.
 
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fresh_42 said:
Where did you see complex numbers?
I forgot an inner product could be real!
 
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pasmith said:
This should be <br /> T(f)(x) = \int_0^x f(t)\,dt.
If t is the dummy variable for the inner product integration, then you need a different symbol for the dummy variable in the definition of T(f)(t). So <br /> T(f)(t) = \int_0^t f(s)\,ds and the inner product with g is <br /> \begin{split}<br /> \langle T(f),g \rangle &amp;= \int_0^1 T(f)(t)g(t)\,dt \\<br /> &amp;= \int_0^1 \int_0^t f(s)\,ds\,g(t)\,dt. \end{split}<br /> But it is simpler to define F = T(f) and note that F&#039; = f.
I could get only this far:
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} \int_{0}^{t} f(s) ds g(t) dt$$
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} F(t) g(t) $$
Using integration by parts,
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = F(t) \int g(t) \big|_{0}^{1} - \int_{0}^{1} f(t) \int g(t) dt ~dt$$
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = F(t) G(t) \big|_{0}^{1} - \int f(t) G(t) dt $$

$$
\langle f, T(g) \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} f(t) \int_{0}^{t} g(s) ds ~dt$$

$$
\langle f, T(g) \rangle= G(t) \int f(t) dt \big|_{0}^{1} - \int_{0}^{1} g(t) F(t) dt $$
$$
\langle f, T(g) \rangle= F(t)~G(t) \big|_{0}^{1} - \int_{0}^{1} g(t) F(t) dt$$
 
What do you know about F(0) = \int_0^0 f(t)\,dt and F(1) = \int_0^1 f(t)\,dt, given that f \in V?
 
I don't see that you used the given information that the domain of T is the set of functions whose integrals are zero.
Hall said:
Let ##V## be the subspace of all ##f## such that
$$\int_{0}^{1} f(t) dt = 0$$

Let ##T: V \to C(0,1)## be the integration operator defined by
$$
T (f(x)) = \int_{0}^{x} f(t) dt$$

Hall said:
(Can someone tell me why preview button no longer produces a preview?)
Preview works for me.
 
pasmith said:
What do you know about F(0) = \int_0^0 f(t)\,dt and F(1) = \int_0^1 f(t)\,dt, given that f \in V?
They are zero.

So, our expressions for inner product reduces:
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = - \int_{0}^{1} f(t) G(t) dt$$
And
$$
\langle f, T(g) \rangle = -\int_{0}^{1}g(t) F(t) dt$$
 
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Hall said:
They are zero.

So, our expressions for inner product reduces:
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = - \int_{0}^{1} f(t) G(t) dt$$
And
$$
\langle f, T(g) \rangle = -\int_{0}^{1}g(t) F(t) dt$$
I think I got it, applying integration by parts once to the first inner product:
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = - \int_{0}^{1} f(t) G(t) dt$$
$$
\langle T(f) , g \rangle=
- \left( G(t) F(t) \big|_{0}^{1} - \int_{0}^{1} F(t) g(t) dt \right)$$
Again the first term will be zero, and we are remaining with
$$
\langle T(f), g \rangle = \int_{0}^{1} F(t) g(t) dt$$

Thus, we have
$$
\langle T(f), g\rangle = - \langle f, T(g)\rangle$$
hence, proving T is skew-symmetric.
 
Last edited:
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