What is a Closed Linear Subspace?

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    Closed Linear Subspace
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition and understanding of closed linear subspaces in the context of linear algebra and functional analysis. Participants explore the nuances that differentiate closed linear subspaces from general linear subspaces, particularly in relation to topological concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a concise definition of closed linear subspaces, expressing difficulty in understanding the concept.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of "closed," noting that closure under vector addition and scalar multiplication is inherent to all linear subspaces.
  • A participant provides an example to illustrate that closed linear subspaces have a distinct meaning, suggesting that not all linear subspaces are described as closed.
  • Further clarification is offered regarding closed sets in Hilbert spaces, with a definition involving the convergence of sequences within the subspace.
  • A metaphor is introduced comparing closed sets to a prison, emphasizing the idea that points cannot escape the set even in the limit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and implications of the term "closed" in the context of linear subspaces. There is no consensus on a singular definition or understanding, indicating ongoing debate and exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on topological definitions and the specific context of Hilbert spaces, which may not be universally applicable to all linear spaces.

mynameiseva
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Hi. I'm trying to find a good definition of a closed linear subspace (as opposed to any other linear subspace), and I can't find anything concise and comprehensible. Any help will be much appreciated.
P.S. I'm not great at analysis, so please try to keep it simple.
 
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"closed" in what sense? Closure under vector addition and scalar multiplication are part of the definition of "subspace". Topological closure depends upon having a topology on the space.
 
Yeah, that's what I mean. I don't understand why people talk about 'closed linear subspaces' when every linear subspace is closed under scalar multiplication and vector addition. Here's an example,
"If L is a closed linear subspace of H, then the set of of all vectors in H that are orthogonal to every vector in L is itself a closed linear subspace".
But 'closed linear subspace' definitely means something different to just 'linear subspace', because the authors only describe some linear subspaces as 'closed'.
 
Hi mynameiseva! :smile:

mynameiseva said:
Yeah, that's what I mean. I don't understand why people talk about 'closed linear subspaces' when every linear subspace is closed under scalar multiplication and vector addition. Here's an example,
"If L is a closed linear subspace of H, then the set of of all vectors in H that are orthogonal to every vector in L is itself a closed linear subspace".
But 'closed linear subspace' definitely means something different to just 'linear subspace', because the authors only describe some linear subspaces as 'closed'.

Judging from your quote, you are working in a Hilbert space H. A set L in a Hilbert space is called closed if

For all sequences (x_n)_n in L such that x_n\rightarrow x in H, then x is in L.​

Thus all sequences in L that converge, will converge to points in L. My professor once made the comparison to a prison: "a closed set is like a prison, you can't get out of it, not even in the limit".

A closed subspace is now simply a subspace that is closed. Note that closed subspaces are Hilbert spaces in their own right!
 
Thanks a lot. I think I understand now.
 

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