Show that A is an orthogonal matrix

In summary, the problem involves showing that if {aj} and {bj} are two separate orthonormal basis sets, then the matrix A = [Aij] is orthogonal, where Aij = aj.ak. The solution involves considering the properties of an orthogonal matrix, such as AAT = I, and the properties of orthonormal basis sets, such as aj.ak = 0 if j and k are different and 1 if they are the same. Additionally, the preservation of norms may be helpful in solving the problem.
  • #1
yoghurt54
19
0

Homework Statement





If {aj} and {bj} are two separate sets of orthonormal basis sets, and are related by

ai = [tex]\sum[/tex]jnAijbj

Show that A is an orthogonal matrix

Homework Equations



Provided above.





The Attempt at a Solution



Too much latex needed to show what I tried, but basically I considered the properties of an orthogonal matrix: AAT = I and considered which elements would multiply and sum to give the 1's and 0's of the identity matrix.

I then considered the fact that aj.ak = o if j and k are different and 1 if they are the same, and the same for the vectors bj.

Then I thought of the property of preserving norms, but can't see how to connect it to this problem.
 
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  • #2
More to the point is that an orthonormal matrix is a matrix whose columns (or rows), thought of as vectors, are orthonormal- that is, each has length 1 and any two are orthogonal.
 

FAQ: Show that A is an orthogonal matrix

What is an orthogonal matrix?

An orthogonal matrix is a square matrix where all the columns and rows are orthonormal, meaning they are all perpendicular to each other and have a magnitude of 1.

How do you show that a matrix is orthogonal?

To show that a matrix A is orthogonal, you need to prove that A multiplied by its transpose (A^T) is equal to the identity matrix (I). This can be written as A * A^T = I.

What is the significance of an orthogonal matrix?

An orthogonal matrix has many uses in mathematics, particularly in linear algebra. It can be used to rotate vectors or coordinate systems while preserving the length and angle between the vectors. It also has applications in solving systems of linear equations and in data compression.

Can a matrix be orthogonal if it is not square?

No, an orthogonal matrix must always be a square matrix, meaning it has an equal number of rows and columns. This is because in order for a matrix to be orthogonal, the columns and rows must be orthonormal, which is only possible in a square matrix.

Are all orthogonal matrices invertible?

Yes, all orthogonal matrices are invertible. This is because multiplying a matrix by its transpose (A * A^T) results in the identity matrix, which is a requirement for a matrix to be invertible.

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