Finding Magnitude of v+iw in a Complex Inner Product Space

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the magnitude of v + iw in a complex inner product space where v and w are given vectors with magnitudes of 1 and 3 respectively, and a given inner product of 1 + 2i. The attempt at a solution involves breaking down the problem using properties of the inner product, but there is an error in the calculation resulting in a complex number instead of a real number.
  • #1
phagist_
25
0

Homework Statement


Let v,w be vectors in a complex inner product space such that ||v|| = 1,
||w|| = 3 and <v,w> = 1 + 2i. Find ||v + iw||.


Homework Equations


The properties of an inner product.


The Attempt at a Solution


I figured
[tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = <v+iw,v+iw>

Then using the properties of the inner product, I broke it up;

[tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = <v,v+iw>+<iw,v+iw>

and <v,v+iw> = <v,v> + <v,iw> and using the 'conjugate symmetry'
= <v,v> - i<v,w>
= 1-i(1+2i)
= 3-i

Now for <iw,v+iw>;
=i<w,v+iw>
=i{<w,v>+<w,iw>}
=i{1-2i - i<w,w>} (since <v,w>=[tex]\overline{<w,v>}[/tex])
=i+2-9i
=2-8i

Now combining it all i get [tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = 5-9i

But this is supposed to be the square of the magnitude of v+iw.. so it should be a real number right?

Can somebody help point out where I have gone wrong?
Cheers.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
phagist_ said:

Homework Statement


Let v,w be vectors in a complex inner product space such that ||v|| = 1,
||w|| = 3 and <v,w> = 1 + 2i. Find ||v + iw||.


Homework Equations


The properties of an inner product.


The Attempt at a Solution


I figured
[tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = <v+iw,v+iw>

Then using the properties of the inner product, I broke it up;

[tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = <v,v+iw>+<iw,v+iw>

and <v,v+iw> = <v,v> + <v,iw> and using the 'conjugate symmetry'
= <v,v> - i<v,w>
= 1-i(1+2i)
= 3-i

Now for <iw,v+iw>;
=i<w,v+iw>
=i{<w,v>+<w,iw>}
=i{1-2i - i<w,w>} (since <v,w>=[tex]\overline{<w,v>}[/tex])
=i+2-9i
Here is your error. i(1- 2i- 9i)= i+ 2+ 9. You forgot the second i on the last term.

=2-8i

Now combining it all i get [tex]||v+iw||^2[/tex] = 5-9i

But this is supposed to be the square of the magnitude of v+iw.. so it should be a real number right?

Can somebody help point out where I have gone wrong?
Cheers.
 
  • #3
oops, thanks a lot halls!
 

FAQ: Finding Magnitude of v+iw in a Complex Inner Product Space

What is a complex inner product space?

A complex inner product space is a vector space where the elements are complex numbers and the inner product is defined as the sum of the complex conjugate of the first element multiplied by the second element. This space is used to study complex-valued functions or vectors in engineering and mathematics.

How is the magnitude of v+iw calculated in a complex inner product space?

The magnitude of v+iw can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, where the length of the hypotenuse (magnitude) is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary components (v and w, respectively).

Why is it important to find the magnitude of v+iw in a complex inner product space?

The magnitude of v+iw can help determine the length of a complex-valued vector, which is useful in various mathematical and engineering applications. It also allows for the calculation of the distance between two complex-valued vectors, which is essential in understanding their relationship.

Can the magnitude of v+iw be negative?

No, the magnitude of v+iw is always a positive real number. This is because the Pythagorean theorem only uses the square of the components, making the magnitude always positive.

How is the magnitude of v+iw related to the concept of complex conjugates?

The magnitude of v+iw is equal to the square root of the product of v+iw and its complex conjugate, v-iw. This relationship is important in understanding the properties of complex numbers and their applications in mathematics and engineering.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top