Finite Dimensional Normed Spaces
A finite dimensional normed space is a vector space equipped with a norm, and it has a finite number of basis vectors. For example, in the space \( \textbf{R}^n \), the standard basis has exactly \( n \) vectors. Finite dimensional spaces have significant properties, such as every norm being equivalent. This means that any two norms on such a space are comparable; if a sequence converges in one norm, it will converge in another.
Basis
A basis is a set of vectors in a vector space that are linearly independent and span the entire space. In the given exercise, the set \( \left\{u_1, u_2, \, ..., \, u_n \right\} \) forms a basis for \( X \), and the set \( \left\{v_1, v_2, \, ..., \, v_n \right\} \) forms a basis for \( Y \). Any vector in \( X \) or \( Y \) can be uniquely expressed as a linear combination of their respective basis vectors. This property is fundamental in defining the linear map \( T \).
Linearity
Linearity is a crucial property of the map \( T \). A function is linear if it satisfies two conditions: additivity and homogeneity. Additivity means \( T(u + v) = T(u) + T(v) \) for any vectors \( u \) and \( v \). Homogeneity means \( T(cu) = cT(u) \) for any scalar \( c \). These properties ensure that the structure of the vector space is preserved under the map. The exercise shows that \( T \) fulfills both conditions, verifying its linearity.
Injectivity
Injectivity, or one-to-one property, ensures that distinct inputs map to distinct outputs. To prove \( T \) is injective, we assume \( T(x) = T(x') \) and show that this implies \( x = x' \). In the exercise, since \( T \) maps \( x = \sum_{j=1}^{n} \alpha_{j} u_{j} \) to \( \sum_{j=1}^{n} \alpha_{j} v_{j} \) and \( \left\{v_1, v_2, \, ..., \, v_n \right\} \) is a basis for \( Y \), it follows that coefficients must match, proving \( x = x' \).
Surjectivity
Surjectivity, or onto property, requires that every element in the codomain \( Y \) is the image of at least one element in the domain \( X \). The exercise demonstrates this by showing for any \( y \in Y \), there is an \( x \in X \) such that \( T(x) = y \). Because \( \left\{v_1, v_2, ..., v_n \right\} \) spans \( Y \), for any \( y \), we can find coefficients such that \( y = \sum_{j=1}^{n} \beta_{j} v_{j} \). This proves the surjectivity of \( T \).
Continuity
Continuity in finite dimensional normed spaces means that small changes in input result in small changes in output. A linear map between finite dimensional normed spaces is continuous if it is bounded. The exercise mentions that due to the finite dimensional nature, the norm equivalences ensure that \( T \) is bounded and thus continuous. This continuity extends to its inverse \( T^{-1} \), confirming that \( T \) is more than a linear bijective map—it's a linear homeomorphism.
Open Mapping
The Open Mapping Theorem states that a surjective continuous linear map between Banach spaces (complete normed spaces) is an open map, meaning it maps open sets to open sets. Because \( X \) and \( Y \) are finite dimensional, they are complete, making \( T \) and its inverse \( T^{-1} \) continuous. Hence, \( T \) is an open mapping. These properties combined confirm that \( T \) is a linear homeomorphism, a map that is linear, bijective, and bi-continuous.