What is the inner product of two piecewise-defined functions?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the inner product of two piecewise-defined functions, specifically focusing on the function f(x) defined over the interval [0, 2] and the function g(x) defined over the interval [1, 3]. Participants explore the necessary steps to compute these inner products and clarify the intervals involved.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests separating the integral for f(x) into two parts: from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 2.
  • Another participant requests detailed steps for calculating the inner product, indicating difficulty in arriving at the correct answer.
  • A participant provides specific integral values for the first question, suggesting that the integrals from 0 to 1 and from 1 to 2 yield results of 1/2 and 1/3, respectively.
  • For the second question, a participant notes that the inner product can only be defined on the interval [1, 2], given the definitions of f(x) and g(x).
  • Another participant proposes that f and g may be assumed to vanish outside their defined intervals, which would affect the calculation of the inner product.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the calculation of the inner products, particularly regarding the intervals to consider and the assumptions about the functions outside their defined ranges. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the functions f(x) and g(x) outside their defined intervals, as well as the specific intervals chosen for the inner product calculations. These factors contribute to the complexity of the discussion.

Asuralm
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Dear all:
I have a problem about the inner product of a function. Give a function

[tex] \begin{displaymath}<br /> f(x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{ll}<br /> x & \textrm{if $x \in [0,1]$}\\<br /> -x+2 & \textrm{if $x \in (1, 2]$}<br /> \end{array}<br /> \end{displaymath}<br /> \{[/tex]

What's the value of the inner product of the function itself over [0,2]?
[tex] \begin{displaymath}<br /> <f(x), f(x)> = \int_{x=0}^{x=2} f(x)f(x) d_x<br /> \end{displaymath}[/tex]]

If given another function
[tex] <br /> g(x) = \left\{ \begin{array}{ll}<br /> x-1 & \textrm{if $x \in [1,2]$}\\<br /> -x+3 & \textrm{if $x \in (2, 3]$}<br /> \end{array}<br /> <br /> \{[/tex]

What's the inner product of f(x) and g(x) please?

Thanks for answering.
 
Last edited:
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For you first question you have to separate integral into two
One of them is from 0 to 1, the other is from 1 to 2.

For the second you have to explain on which interval we take the inner product they are from different worlds.
 
I know the principle actually. Could you give me the whole details please? Because I can't get the correct answer.
 
For question1
You have to get from integral(0-1) =1/2 and from integral(1-2) =1/3
If you did not then write what you did .Maybe we can find the mistake
It would be yours or mine
 
Last edited:
for question 2 : I am still waiting an explanation
It can be only defined on [1,2] i think
 
Last edited:
It's possible that the intention is that f and g vanish wherever not explicitly defined. Then you would be right, it would be like on [1,2]...
 

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