# Math Help - Orthonormal Vector Property

1. ## Orthonormal Vector Property

This problem comes from a second-semester course in linear algebra. We are currently covering Gram Scmidt - but outside of the application problems, I'm a bit lost.

Problem: Suppose V is an inner product space and {v_1, ... , v_k} is an orthonormal set of vectors in V. Show that for all v in V, we have:
$\sum_{i\ =\ 0}^k ||^2 \leq ||v||^2$.

Furthermore, show that the equality holds if and only if v is in the span of {v_1, ... , v_k}.

Intuition: I can't picture the problem in anything larger than 2-space. If in two space, it seems plausible that a right triangle could be formed using the orthonormal set and v_j (which would be the hypotenuse). I'm not sure if this stems from a theorem, or if I should just be playing with the definitions in the summation/inequality.

2. ## Re: Orthonormal Vector Property

Originally Posted by jsndacruz
This problem comes from a second-semester course in linear algebra. We are currently covering Gram Scmidt - but outside of the application problems, I'm a bit lost.

Problem: Suppose V is an inner product space and {v_1, ... , v_k} is an orthonormal set of vectors in V. Show that for all v in V, we have:
$\sum_{i\ =\ 0}^k ||^2 \leq ||v||^2$.

Furthermore, show that the equality holds if and only if v is in the span of {v_1, ... , v_k}.

Intuition: I can't picture the problem in anything larger than 2-space. If in two space, it seems plausible that a right triangle could be formed using the orthonormal set and v_j (which would be the hypotenuse). I'm not sure if this stems from a theorem, or if I should just be playing with the definitions in the summation/inequality.
Write $v=v'+v''$ where $v'\in {\rm{Span}}(v_1, .. v_k)$ and $v''$ is in the orthogonal complement of ${\rm{Span}}(v_1, .. v_k)$

CB