Prove: Invariant Subspaces are g(T)-Invariant

In summary, the conversation discusses proving that a T-invariant subspace, W, is also g(T)-invariant for any polynomial g(t). The suggested approach is to show that for an arbitrary x in W, g(T) applied to x will result in a vector still within W. This is simpler than trying to use the Cayley-Hamilton Theorem.
  • #1
hitmeoff
261
1

Homework Statement


Let T be a linear operator on a vector space V and let W be a T-Invariant subspace of V. Prove that W is g(T)-invariant for any polynomial g(t).


Homework Equations


Cayley-Hamilton Theorem?


The Attempt at a Solution


Im not sure how to begin. Ok so g(t) is the characteristic polynomial of T. If W is a T-Invariant subspace of V, then [tex]\forall[/tex]v[tex]\epsilon[/tex]W, T(v) [tex]\epsilon[/tex] W

So for any T with a characteristic polynomial g(t), W is still T-Invariant...not sure if I am even leading into the right direction. Any help on getting going with this proof?
 
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  • #2
Just have g(T) act on an arbitrary x in W, and show that the result is in W. This is much easier than you seem to be expecting.

Why are you saying that g is the characteristic polynomial of T? You said that g was arbitrary in the problem statement.
 

Related to Prove: Invariant Subspaces are g(T)-Invariant

1. What is an invariant subspace?

An invariant subspace is a subspace of a vector space that remains unchanged under a given linear transformation. In other words, the vectors in the subspace are mapped back into the subspace after the transformation is applied.

2. What does it mean for an invariant subspace to be g(T)-invariant?

A subspace is g(T)-invariant if it remains invariant under a linear transformation g(T), where g is a polynomial or analytic function.

3. How do you prove that a subspace is invariant under a given linear transformation?

To prove that a subspace is invariant under a linear transformation, you need to show that the subspace is closed under the transformation, meaning that if you apply the transformation to any vector in the subspace, the resulting vector will still be in the subspace.

4. What are some examples of g(T)-invariant subspaces?

Some examples of g(T)-invariant subspaces include the null space and range of a linear transformation, as well as eigenspaces corresponding to eigenvalues of the transformation.

5. Why are invariant subspaces important in linear algebra?

Invariant subspaces are important because they provide a way to break down a complex linear transformation into smaller, more manageable parts. They also allow for the analysis of the behavior of a transformation on specific subsets of a vector space.

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