Pseudoinverse Exercise: Proving the Properties of the Pseudoinverse

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The discussion focuses on the properties of the pseudoinverse in solving non-invertible systems of linear equations represented as Ax=b. The pseudoinverse, denoted as A^+, provides an approximate solution x' = A^+*b, which lies in the image of A and minimizes the error ||b - Ax'||. The participants also explore the error magnitude, expressed as ||Ax' - b||^2 = b^T*(I - A*A^+)*b, confirming that the error vector resides in the kernel of A. The conversation highlights the complexities arising from the dimensions of A and the implications of linear dependence among its rows or columns.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of pseudoinverse (A^+) in linear algebra
  • Familiarity with the concepts of image and kernel of a matrix
  • Knowledge of linear dependence and independence in systems of equations
  • Proficiency in error minimization techniques in numerical methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the pseudoinverse in detail, including its computation methods
  • Learn about the image and kernel of matrices in linear algebra
  • Explore error analysis techniques in numerical solutions of linear systems
  • Investigate the implications of linear dependence in matrix equations
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Students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, and data science who are working with linear algebra, particularly those dealing with non-invertible systems and optimization problems.

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Homework Statement


Let's say I have a non invertible system of linear equations: Ax=b
Then the pseudoinverse gives a approximate solution: x'=A^+*b

(1) Given the property: A*A^+*A = A, prove that x' is a vector which lies in the image of A and minimises the error = ||b-Ax'||

(2) show that the magnitude of the error is ||Ax'-b||^2=b^T*(I-A*A^+)*b and that the error vector lies in the kernel of A

Homework Equations


A^+ is the pseudoinverse


The Attempt at a Solution


Let's just consider (1) for now.
I know that since b does not lie in the column space of A, we have to find a approximate solution by projecting b onto this space. Let's denote this projected as proj_b.
Thus: Ax' = proj_b.
It's kinda obvious that x' lies in the image of A. I just cannot see the link between this and the given property A*A^+*A = A.
 
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liengen said:

Homework Statement


Let's say I have a non invertible system of linear equations: Ax=b
Then the pseudoinverse gives a approximate solution: x'=A^+*b

(1) Given the property: A*A^+*A = A, prove that x' is a vector which lies in the image of A and minimises the error = ||b-Ax'||

(2) show that the magnitude of the error is ||Ax'-b||^2=b^T*(I-A*A^+)*b and that the error vector lies in the kernel of A

Homework Equations


A^+ is the pseudoinverse

The Attempt at a Solution


Let's just consider (1) for now.
I know that since b does not lie in the column space of A, we have to find a approximate solution by projecting b onto this space. Let's denote this projected as proj_b.
Thus: Ax' = proj_b.
It's kinda obvious that x' lies in the image of A. I just cannot see the link between this and the given property A*A^+*A = A.

It is not at all obvious to me that x' is in the image of A. What if A is an m \times n matrix, with m \neq n? Then x' doesn't even have the right dimension. Is there an unstated assumption or a typo somewhere?
 
jbunniii said:
It is not at all obvious to me that x' is in the image of A. What if A is an m \times n matrix, with m \neq n? Then x' doesn't even have the right dimension. Is there an unstated assumption or a typo somewhere?

I see your point. Nothing else is stated though.

If the rows or columns are linearly dependent, I still think it's obvious, since then we just have either the same equations (rows) or the unknowns equal each other (columns) and the pseudoinverse just kills these. We still get the right answer. When we have a unsolvable system however (i.e more linearly independent rows than columns) then I agree, x' doesn't have the right dimension compared with A.
 

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