Why is this Isometry a rotation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a given direct isometry in Euclidean space, specifically in ##\mathbb{R}^3##, is a rotation. Participants are exploring the properties and definitions related to isometries and rotations, as well as methods to demonstrate this relationship.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help in proving that the isometry ##\Phi## is a rotation, providing specific mappings of vectors.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need to show efforts toward solving the problem and suggests posting in the appropriate forum for homework-related questions.
  • There is a suggestion to calculate angles between vectors before and after the transformation or to analyze the matrix with respect to a standard basis.
  • One participant proposes defining the terms "rotation" and "direct isometry" to clarify the discussion.
  • Another participant raises a question about whether every linear isometry is indeed a rotation and hints at a specific computation related to the theory.
  • A suggestion is made to consider the properties of rotation matrices, including determinants, as part of the proof process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints and suggestions, but there is no consensus on the proof or the nature of the isometry being a rotation. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple approaches proposed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not yet established definitions or conditions for what constitutes a rotation or a direct isometry, which may affect the clarity of the discussion.

Doradus
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Hello,

i need a little help. Did someone have an idea how to prove this?

Thanks in advance.

Be ##\Phi## an direct isometry of the euclidean Space ##\mathbb{R}^3## with

##\Phi (\begin{pmatrix} 2\\0 \\1 \end{pmatrix})##=##\begin{pmatrix} 2\\1 \\0 \end{pmatrix}## and ##\Phi (\begin{pmatrix} 1\\1 \\0 \end{pmatrix}) ##=## \frac{1}{3} \begin{pmatrix} 1\\4 \\1 \end{pmatrix}##

Why is ##\Phi## a rotation?
 
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Doradus said:
Hello,

i need a little help. Did someone have an idea how to prove this?

Thanks in advance.

Be ##\Phi## an direct isometry of the euclidean Space ##\mathbb{R}^3## with

##\Phi (\begin{pmatrix} 2\\0 \\1 \end{pmatrix})##=##\begin{pmatrix} 2\\1 \\0 \end{pmatrix}## and ##\Phi (\begin{pmatrix} 1\\1 \\0 \end{pmatrix}) ##=## \frac{1}{3} \begin{pmatrix} 1\\4 \\1 \end{pmatrix}##

Why is ##\Phi## a rotation?
All schoolwork-type question should be posted in the Homework Help forums, and you need to show your efforts toward solving the question. Advanced schoolwork questions are sometimes allowed in the technical forums, but only if the poster shows substantial work.

Can you say what level class this is for, and please show your thoughts for how to proceed?
 
Is it? Have you calculated the angles between the vectors before and after? Or the matrix wrt the basis (1,0,0), (0,1,0) and (0,0,1)?
 
It might also be a good idea to start with defining what you understand under "rotation" and "direct isometry".
 
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you might ask yourself whether every linear isometry might actually be an isometry, and if not why not. If you know the basic theory there is only one number to compute, (and that only up to sign!).
 
Hey Doradus.

In addition to the above advice I'd write down the conditions for a rotation matrix.

Hint - Think about determinants and other matrix properties of rotation matrices.
 

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