Spectral theorem for self-adjoint linear transformations

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the spectral theorem for self-adjoint linear transformations, specifically for transformations P and Q, where Q is positive-definite. It establishes that there exist scalars λ1, ..., λn and linearly independent vectors e1, ..., en in the vector space V such that P acts on the basis vectors according to the equation P ei = λi Qei. Additionally, the inner product conditions

= δij λi and = δij are confirmed, indicating the orthogonality and normalization of the basis vectors. The user seeks guidance on connecting the spectral decompositions of P and Q.

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  • Understanding of self-adjoint linear transformations
  • Familiarity with positive-definite matrices
  • Knowledge of the spectral theorem in linear algebra
  • Concept of orthonormal bases in vector spaces
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rainwyz0706
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Let P,Q be self-adjoint linear transformations from V to V, Q is also positive-definite. Deduce that there exist scalars λ1 , . . . , λn and linearly independent vectors e1 , . . . , en in V such that, for i, j = 1, 2, . . . , n:
(i) P ei = λi Qei ;
(ii) <P ei , ej > = δi j λi ;
(iii) <Qei , ej > = δi j .
I could use the spectral theorem to find an orthonormal basis ei for P and Q separately, but how can I connect them together? Could anyone give me some hint? Any help is greatly appreciated!
 
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Let Ei be the linear transformations that project into the subspace spanned by ei. Then (i) is essentially saying that

[tex]P = \sum \lambda_i QE_i = Q \sum \lambda_i E_i[/tex].

I hope I'm not giving away too much here.
 

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