Math Problem Statement

Suppose V is a subspace of R^n. Let {v1, v2, ..., vk} be an orthonormal basis for V. Let P = V(V^T). Prove that the eigenvalues of P are all either 0 or 1.

Solution

The problem from the image is asking about an orthogonal projection matrix onto a subspace VV of Rn\mathbb{R}^n, and it specifically requires proving that the eigenvalues of this projection matrix PP are either 0 or 1.

Problem Breakdown:

  1. Given:

    • VV is a subspace of Rn\mathbb{R}^n.
    • {v1,v2,,vk}\{ \mathbf{v}_1, \mathbf{v}_2, \dots, \mathbf{v}_k \} is an orthonormal basis for VV.
    • P=VVTP = \mathbf{V}\mathbf{V}^T, where V\mathbf{V} is the matrix formed by the orthonormal basis vectors as columns.
  2. To Prove:

    • The eigenvalues of PP are either 0 or 1.
  3. Hint Provided:

    • You can write any xRnx \in \mathbb{R}^n as x=v+v\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{v}^\perp, where vV\mathbf{v} \in V and vV\mathbf{v}^\perp \in V^\perp.

Solution Outline:

  1. Orthogonal Projection Matrix Properties:

    • The projection matrix PP maps any vector x\mathbf{x} onto the subspace VV.
    • If xV\mathbf{x} \in V, then Px=xP\mathbf{x} = \mathbf{x}, meaning Px=1xP \mathbf{x} = 1 \cdot \mathbf{x}.
    • If xV\mathbf{x} \in V^\perp, the orthogonal complement of VV, then Px=0P \mathbf{x} = 0, meaning Px=0xP \mathbf{x} = 0 \cdot \mathbf{x}.
  2. Eigenvalue Analysis:

    • For a vector xV\mathbf{x} \in V, Px=xP \mathbf{x} = \mathbf{x}. So, 1 is an eigenvalue of PP with multiplicity equal to the dimension of VV.
    • For a vector xV\mathbf{x} \in V^\perp, Px=0P \mathbf{x} = 0. So, 0 is an eigenvalue of PP with multiplicity equal to the dimension of VV^\perp.
  3. Conclusion:

    • Since any vector in Rn\mathbb{R}^n can be decomposed into a part in VV and a part in VV^\perp, and the action of PP on these parts yields eigenvalues 1 and 0 respectively, the only possible eigenvalues for PP are 0 and 1.

Would you like a more detailed step-by-step solution? Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you find the orthonormal basis of a given subspace VV?
  2. What are the properties of orthogonal projection matrices?
  3. How does the rank of the projection matrix PP relate to the dimension of VV?
  4. Can you explain the spectral theorem and its relation to projection matrices?
  5. How do you generalize this concept to other linear transformations?

Tip: Always remember that the sum of the eigenvalues (considering multiplicity) of a matrix equals its trace, and the product of the eigenvalues equals its determinant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
Orthogonal Projection
Eigenvalues

Formulas

P = V(V^T)

Theorems

Eigenvalue properties of projection matrices

Suitable Grade Level

College/University Level