Finite-dimensional self-adjoint spectral theorem
Self-adjoint operators have orthonormal eigenbases.
Key knowledge
A self-adjoint operator on a finite-dimensional real or complex inner-product space has real eigenvalues and an orthonormal basis of eigenvectors.
Conditions and scope
- Self-adjoint means ⟨Tv,w⟩=⟨v,Tw⟩ for all v,w.
- An arbitrary operator, or an unbounded infinite-dimensional operator, needs different hypotheses.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Definition 1.1 and Theorem 1.2: finite-dimensional self-adjoint eigenspace decomposition and real eigenvalues.
2026-10-10 · Finite-dimensional self-adjoint theorem; normal-operator generalization excluded.
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