Understanding Orthogonality in Inner Product Spaces

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of orthogonality in inner product spaces, specifically addressing the condition where the inner product of two vectors, \( (x,y) = 0 \), indicates that the vectors are perpendicular. It is clarified that this does not imply both vectors must be zero; rather, at least one of the vectors must be zero or they are orthogonal. The example given, \( (\hat \imath, \hat \jmath) = 0 \), illustrates this point effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of inner product spaces
  • Familiarity with the properties of orthogonality
  • Knowledge of vector notation and operations
  • Basic linear algebra concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of inner products in vector spaces
  • Explore the implications of orthogonality in higher dimensions
  • Learn about the Gram-Schmidt process for orthogonalization
  • Investigate applications of orthogonal vectors in functional analysis
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra, vector calculus, or functional analysis, will benefit from this discussion on orthogonality in inner product spaces.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

We know that:
$$(x,x)=0 \Rightarrow x=0$$

When we have $\displaystyle{(x,y)=0}$, do we conclude that $\displaystyle{x=0 \text{ AND } y=0}$. Or is this wrong? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

We know that:
$$(x,x)=0 \Rightarrow x=0$$

When we have $\displaystyle{(x,y)=0}$, do we conclude that $\displaystyle{x=0 \text{ AND } y=0}$. Or is this wrong? (Wondering)

Hi hi! (Happy)

In this case we can only say that $x$ and $y$ are perpendicular, or one of them is zero.
Note that $(\hat \imath, \hat \jmath) = 0$. (Wasntme)
 
I like Serena said:
Hi hi! (Happy)

In this case we can only say that $x$ and $y$ are perpendicular, or one of them is zero.
Note that $(\hat \imath, \hat \jmath) = 0$. (Wasntme)

I see! Thanks a lot! (Sun)
 

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