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16 results · all verified · 8 also independently AI-judged
Every result on this page is machine-checked by a proof checker and read in full and owner-audited; the judge is an additional, independent cross-model AI review of the proofs. The 8 not AI-judged were verified by owner audit (typically over a confirmed judge false positive), not failures.

Bounded Linear Operators and Quotient Spaces

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

This page packages the first functional-analysis uses of norm completeness: bounded linear and bilinear maps, the operator norm and the Banach space B(X,Y), and quotient norms with their factorization property. Under Countable Choice it proves dense extension into Banach targets and quotient completeness; under Dependent Choice it proves the one-sided inverse criteria. The quotient proofs keep the ε-minimizer route explicit, so no best-approximation theorem is silently assumed.

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicableaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded linear operator between normed spaces

Definition

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field K, read in the real case from A norm on a real vector space, the induced metric, and the dictionary with the metric axioms and in the complex case from Real and complex scalar conventions for normed spaces. A linear map T:XY (Linear map between vector spaces over the same field) is a bounded linear operator when there is a real constant C0 such that

TxCxfor all xX.

Any such C is called a bound for T.

Remarks

  • The zero operator is bounded with bound 0.
  • A bound is not unique: if C works and CC, then C works as well.
  • When X={0}, every linear map XY is bounded with bound 0.
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

For a linear operator, boundedness, continuity at 0, continuity, and Lipschitz continuity are equivalent

Statement

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field, and let T:XY be linear. Then the following are equivalent:

  1. T is bounded.
  2. T is continuous at 0.
  3. T is continuous on X.
  4. T is Lipschitz.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Normed spaces X and Y, a linear map T:XY, a real ε>0, and a vector x0X.

[L1]

A bounded linear operator has a constant C0 with TxCx for every xX (A bounded linear operator between normed spaces).

[L3]

Continuity at a point in a metric space is the ε-δ condition of Continuity of a map between metric spaces, at a point and globally, in the ε-δ form.

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume T is bounded, with constant C from [L1]. Then TxTy=T(xy)Cxy for all x,yX, so T is Lipschitz.

L1L2
1.2

If T is continuous on X, then in particular it is continuous at 0, so (3)(2).

L3
1.3

Assume T is continuous at 0. Applying [L3] with ε=1 gives δ>0 such that u<δ implies Tu<1.

L3choose
2.1

Step 1.1 proves (1)(4), and [L2] gives (4)(3).

step 1.1L2
2.2

Let xX with x0 and put u:=δ2xx. Then u=δ/2<δ, so Tu<1 by step 1.3. By linearity, Tu=δ2xTx, hence Tx<2δx. The same inequality is trivial at x=0, so T is bounded.

step 1.3L1algebra
3.1

Thus (2)(1). Combining steps 2.1, 1.2, and 2.2 gives all four equivalences.

step 2.1step 1.2step 2.2
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicableaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The operator norm as the least bound and as the unit-sphere or unit-ball supremum

Definition

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field, and let T:XY be bounded in the sense of A bounded linear operator between normed spaces. The operator norm of T is

T:=sup{Tx:xX, x1}.

This supremum is finite because every bound C for T also bounds the set on the right by C.

The same number is the least bound of T:

T=inf{C0:TxCx for all xX}.

If X{0}, positive homogeneity also gives

T=sup{Tx:x=1}.

When X={0}, the unit sphere is empty and the unit-ball supremum is 0, so T=0.

Remarks

  • The inequality TxTx holds for every xX by the unit-ball definition and rescaling.
  • The unit-ball formula is the one used uniformly below, because it also covers the zero-space case without a separate convention.
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The operator norm is a norm on the space of bounded linear operators

Statement

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field. On the vector space B(X,Y) of bounded linear operators, the operator norm of The operator norm as the least bound and as the unit-sphere or unit-ball supremum is a norm.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Bounded linear operators S,TB(X,Y), a scalar λ, and a vector xX.

[L1]

The operator norm is the supremum of Tx over the unit ball of X, and it satisfies TxTx for every xX (The operator norm as the least bound and as the unit-sphere or unit-ball supremum).

[L2]

B(X,Y) is the space of bounded linear operators, with pointwise addition and scalar multiplication (The spaces (\mathcal B(X,Y)) and (\mathcal B(X)) of bounded linear operators).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L1], T0 for every TB(X,Y). If T=0, then Tx0 for every x with x1, so Tx=0 there. If x0, apply this to u:=x/x to get Tu=0, hence Tx=xTu=0. Thus T=0 implies T=0.

L1algebra
1.2

Conversely, if T=0 then Tx=0 for every x in the unit ball, so the supremum in [L1] is 0. This proves definiteness.

L1
1.3

For every x with x1, [L2] and [L1] give (λT)x=λTxλT. Taking the supremum over the unit ball yields λTλT. The reverse inequality is immediate when λ=0, and for λ0 the same estimate applied to T=λ1(λT) gives Tλ1λT. Hence λT=λT.

L1L2algebra
1.4

For every x with x1, [L2] and [L1] give (S+T)xSx+TxS+T. Taking the supremum over the unit ball gives S+TS+T.

L1L2algebra
2.1

Steps 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 are the norm axioms, so the operator norm is a norm on B(X,Y).

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3step 1.4
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Composition satisfies |ST|\le|S|,|T|

Statement

Let X, Y, and Z be normed spaces over the same scalar field. If TB(X,Y) and SB(Y,Z), then

STST.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Bounded linear operators T:XY and S:YZ.

[L1]

The operator norm is the unit-ball supremum and satisfies TuTu for every vector u (The operator norm as the least bound and as the unit-sphere or unit-ball supremum).

[L2]

Bounded linear operators compose to a linear map, and B(X,Y) denotes the bounded ones (The spaces (\mathcal B(X,Y)) and (\mathcal B(X)) of bounded linear operators).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Let xX satisfy x1. Then [L1] gives TxT, and applying [L1] again to S yields STxSTxST.

L1L2
2.1

Step 1.1 holds for every x in the unit ball of X, so taking the supremum over that ball gives STST.

step 1.1L1
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The spaces (\mathcal B(X,Y)) and (\mathcal B(X)) of bounded linear operators

Definition

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field. Write

B(X,Y):={T:XY:T is a bounded linear operator}.

This is a subspace of the vector space L(X,Y) of The space L(V,W) of linear maps with pointwise addition and scalar multiplication, with the same pointwise operations:

(S+T)(x):=Sx+Tx,(λT)(x):=λTx.

If X=Y, write

B(X):=B(X,X).

Remarks

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

If (Y) is Banach then (\mathcal B(X,Y)) is Banach

Statement

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field. If Y is Banach, then B(X,Y) is Banach for the operator norm.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A Banach space Y and an operator-norm Cauchy sequence (Tn) in B(X,Y).

[L1]

A Banach space is complete for its norm metric (Banach space).

[L2]

For a bounded operator, the operator norm is the unit-ball supremum and satisfies TxTx for every x (The operator norm as the least bound and as the unit-sphere or unit-ball supremum).

[L3]

B(X,Y) is the vector space of bounded linear operators (The spaces (\mathcal B(X,Y)) and (\mathcal B(X)) of bounded linear operators).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Fix xX. Since (Tn) is Cauchy in operator norm, [L2] gives TnxTmxTnTmx, so (Tnx) is a Cauchy sequence in Y. Because Y is Banach, there is TxY with TnxTx.

L1L2choose
2.1

Step 1.1 defines a map T:XY. If x,yX, then Tn(x+y)=Tnx+Tny for every n, so passing to the limit gives T(x+y)=Tx+Ty. The same argument with λx gives T(λx)=λTx. Thus T is linear.

step 1.1L3algebra
2.2

Choose N such that TnTm1 for all m,nN. Fix nN and xX. For every mN, TmxTNx+(TmTN)x(TN+1)x by [L2]. Letting m in step 1.1 gives Tx(TN+1)x, so T is bounded and hence TB(X,Y).

step 1.1L2L3
2.3

Let ε>0. Since (Tn) is operator-norm Cauchy, choose N so that TnTm<ε for all m,nN. Fix nN and x with x1. Step 1.1 gives TmxTx, so (TnT)x=limm(TnTm)xε by [L2]. Taking the supremum over the unit ball yields TnTε.

step 1.1L2
3.1

Step 2.3 shows TnT in operator norm, with TB(X,Y) by step 2.2. Therefore every operator-norm Cauchy sequence converges in B(X,Y), so B(X,Y) is Banach by [L1].

step 2.2step 2.3L1
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded linear map from a dense normed subspace into a Banach space extends uniquely with the same norm

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

Let X be a normed space, let DX be a dense normed subspace, let Y be a Banach space, and let T:DY be a bounded linear operator. Then there is a unique bounded linear operator T~:XY such that

T~D=T,

and T~=T.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Countable Choice, a normed space X, a dense normed subspace DX, a Banach space Y, and a bounded linear operator T:DY.

[L0]

Countable Choice is assumed (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

[L1]

A bounded linear operator has a constant C0 with TuCu for all u, and it is continuous (A bounded linear operator between normed spaces, For a linear operator, boundedness, continuity at 0, continuity, and Lipschitz continuity are equivalent).

[L2]

A Banach space is complete for its norm metric (Banach space).

[L3]

A normed subspace carries the restricted norm, and density means every ball in X meets D (Normed subspace, Interior, closure, boundary, limit point, isolated point and dense subset of a metric space).

[L4]

Limits in a metric space are unique, and addition and scalar multiplication are continuous in normed spaces (A sequence in a metric space has at most one limit, Vector addition and scalar multiplication are continuous in a normed space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Fix xX. By [L0] and density in [L3], for each n1 choose dn(x)D with dn(x)x<1/n. This is the selected ACω step: one approximating sequence for each fixed point x.

L0L3choose
2.1

Let C be a bound for T from [L1]. Then Tdn(x)Tdm(x)Cdn(x)dm(x)C(dn(x)x+dm(x)x), so (Tdn(x)) is Cauchy in Y. By [L2] it converges. Define T~(x):=limnTdn(x).

step 1.1L1L2choose
3.1

The value in step 2.1 is independent of the chosen approximating sequence. If en(x)D also satisfies en(x)x, then Tdn(x)Ten(x)Cdn(x)en(x)C(dn(x)x+en(x)x)0, so the two image sequences have the same limit by [L4].

step 2.1L1L4algebra
3.2

Uniqueness: if S:XY is another bounded linear extension of T, then S is continuous by [L1]. For every xX, the sequence dn(x) of step 1.1 lies in D, so Sdn(x)=Tdn(x)T~(x) by step 2.1 and also Sdn(x)Sx by continuity of S. By [L4], Sx=T~(x). Thus S=T~.

step 1.1step 2.1L1L4
4.1

If xD, choose the constant approximating sequence dn(x)=x. Then step 2.1 gives T~(x)=Tx, so T~ extends T.

step 2.1step 3.1
4.2

To prove linearity, let x,yX and choose the approximating sequences of step 1.1 for them. Then dn(x)+dn(y)x+y and λdn(x)λx by [L4]. Using step 3.1 to replace the chosen sequence at x+y by dn(x)+dn(y), and similarly at λx, we get T~(x+y)=limnT(dn(x)+dn(y))=limn(Tdn(x)+Tdn(y)) and T~(λx)=limnλTdn(x). Continuity of addition and scalar multiplication from [L4] lets the limit pass through, so T~(x+y)=T~(x)+T~(y) and T~(λx)=λT~(x).

step 1.1step 3.1L4construct
5.1

The same bound C works for T~. Indeed, with the sequence of step 1.1, Tdn(x)Cdn(x)C(x+dn(x)x)<C(x+1/n). Given ε>0, choose n large enough that T~(x)Tdn(x)<ε and 1/n<ε/C when C>0; then T~(x)Cx+2ε. Hence T~(x)Cx for all x, so T~ is bounded and T~T. Since T~ agrees with T on D, also TT~. Therefore T~=T.

step 2.1step 4.1L1algebra
6.1

Steps 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, and 4.1 prove that T~ is the unique bounded linear extension of T and that it has the same norm.

step 4.1step 4.2step 5.1step 3.2
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A topological isomorphism of normed spaces

Definition

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field. A map T:XY is a topological isomorphism of normed spaces when

  1. T is a bounded linear operator (A bounded linear operator between normed spaces);
  2. T is bijective (Injection, surjection, bijection);
  3. the inverse map T1:YX is also bounded.

Remarks

  • The definition does not hide item-level theorems: boundedness of the inverse is part of the data, not an automatic consequence here.
  • A topological isomorphism is an algebraic isomorphism and a homeomorphism for the norm topologies.
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicableaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded bilinear map between normed spaces

Definition

Let X, Y, and Z be normed spaces over the same scalar field K. A map B:X×YZ is bilinear when xB(x,y) is linear for each fixed yY and yB(x,y) is linear for each fixed xX.

It is a bounded bilinear map when there is a real constant C0 such that

B(x,y)Cxyfor all xX, yY.

Remarks

  • If either variable is 0, the displayed estimate forces B(x,0)=0 and B(0,y)=0.
  • The constant C is not unique, exactly as for bounded linear operators.
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

For a bilinear map, boundedness is equivalent to joint continuity

Statement

Let X, Y, and Z be normed spaces over the same scalar field, and let B:X×YZ be bilinear. Then the following are equivalent:

  1. B is bounded.
  2. B is continuous at (0,0).
  3. B is jointly continuous on X×Y for the product norm (x,y)max:=max{x,y}.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A bilinear map B:X×YZ, points x0X, y0Y, and perturbations hX, kY.

[L1]

A bounded bilinear map has a constant C0 with B(x,y)Cxy for all x,y (A bounded bilinear map between normed spaces).

[L2]

The finite-product maximum norm is a norm on X×Y (The standard product norms on a finite product of normed spaces).

[L3]

Continuity on metric spaces is the ε-δ condition of Continuity of a map between metric spaces, at a point and globally, in the ε-δ form, and addition and scalar multiplication in normed spaces are continuous (Vector addition and scalar multiplication are continuous in a normed space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume B is bounded, with constant C from [L1]. Bilinearity gives B(x0+h,y0+k)B(x0,y0)=B(h,k)+B(h,y0)+B(x0,k). If max{h,k}<δ1, then B(h,k)Cδ2, B(h,y0)Cδy0, and B(x0,k)Cx0δ. Hence

B(x0+h,y0+k)B(x0,y0)Cδ(δ+x0+y0).

[L1, L2, algebra]

1.2

The implication (3)(2) is immediate by specializing the point of continuity to (0,0).

L3
1.3

Assume B is continuous at (0,0). Applying [L3] with ε=1 gives δ>0 such that max{u,v}<δ implies B(u,v)<1.

L3choose
2.1

Given ε>0, choose δ1 so that the bound in step 1.1 is below ε. Then [L3] shows that B is continuous at (x0,y0). Since (x0,y0) was arbitrary, (1)(3).

step 1.1L3choose
2.2

If x=0 or y=0, bilinearity gives B(x,y)=0. Otherwise put u:=δ2xx and v:=δ2yy. Then max{u,v}=δ/2<δ, so B(u,v)<1 by step 1.3. By bilinearity, B(u,v)=δ24xyB(x,y), hence B(x,y)<4δ2xy. Therefore B is bounded.

step 1.3L1algebra
3.1

Steps 2.1, 1.2, and 2.2 prove (1)(3)(2)(1), so the three conditions are equivalent.

step 2.1step 1.2step 2.2
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient vector space (X/M), its cosets, and the quotient map (q:X\to X/M)

Definition

Let X be a normed space and let MX be a linear subspace. The underlying quotient vector space is the one already defined in The quotient vector space V/W and its canonical projection, with cosets written

x+M:={x+m:mM}.

On this page the canonical projection is written

q:XX/M,q(x):=x+M.

By Coset equality, well-defined quotient operations, and the canonical projection with kernel W, q is a surjective linear map and kerq=M.

Remarks

  • The quotient is algebraic at this stage; its norm is introduced next.
  • Different representatives of the same coset differ by an element of M.
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicableaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))

Definition

Let X be a normed space and let MX be a linear subspace. For a coset x+MX/M, define

x+MX/M:=infmMx+m.

Equivalently, this is the distance from x to M inside the ambient normed space:

x+MX/M=dist(x,M).

The formula is representative-independent by The quotient seminorm is independent of the chosen coset representative , so it is a well-defined seminorm on the quotient vector space.

Remarks

  • The word seminorm is deliberate: definiteness is the next theorem, and it requires closedness of M.
  • No nearest point is assumed to exist. The definition uses an infimum only.
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient seminorm is independent of the chosen coset representative

Statement

Let X be a normed space and let MX. If x+M=x+M in X/M, then

infmMx+m=infmMx+m.

Therefore the quotient seminorm of The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M)) is well defined.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A normed space X, a linear subspace MX, and representatives x,xX with x+M=x+M.

[L1]

The quotient seminorm is defined by x+MX/M:=infmMx+m (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L2]

Two cosets are equal exactly when their representatives differ by an element of M (Coset equality, well-defined quotient operations, and the canonical projection with kernel W).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L2], there is m0M with x=x+m0. For every mM, x+m=x+(m0+m), and m0+m still lies in M. Thus {x+m:mM}{x+n:nM}.

L2
2.1

The same argument with the roles of x and x reversed gives the reverse inclusion, so the two sets of admissible norms are equal. Their infima are therefore equal, which is exactly the claim of [L1].

step 1.1L1L2
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient seminorm satisfies the triangle inequality

Statement

Let X be a normed space and let MX. Then for all x,yX,

(x+y)+MX/Mx+MX/M+y+MX/M.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A normed space X, a linear subspace MX, vectors x,yX, and a real ε>0.

[L1]

The quotient seminorm is x+MX/M=infmMx+m (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L2]

The quotient seminorm is representative-independent, so (x+y)+(m1+m2)+M=(x+y)+M may be read with any m1,m2M (The quotient seminorm is independent of the chosen coset representative).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L1], choose m1,m2M such that x+m1<x+MX/M+ε/2 and y+m2<y+MX/M+ε/2.

L1choose
2.1

Since m1+m2M, [L2] lets us evaluate the quotient seminorm of (x+y)+M at the representative x+y+m1+m2. Hence (x+y)+MX/Mx+y+m1+m2x+m1+y+m2<x+MX/M+y+MX/M+ε by step 1.1.

step 1.1L1L2algebra
3.1

Since ε>0 was arbitrary, the displayed strict inequality of step 2.1 implies the stated triangle inequality.

step 2.1given
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient seminorm is a norm exactly when the subspace is closed

Statement

Let X be a normed space and let MX. The quotient seminorm on X/M is a norm if and only if M is closed in X.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A normed space X, a linear subspace MX, and a vector xX.

[L1]

The quotient seminorm is x+MX/M=dist(x,M) (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L2]

A linear subspace contains 0, so M is nonempty (Linear subspace of a vector space).

[L3]

For a nonempty subset A of a metric space, the closure of A is exactly {u:dist(u,A)=0}, and a set is closed exactly when it equals its closure (The closure of a nonempty A is {x:d(x,A)=0}, equals A together with its limit points, and is the smallest closed superset).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L2] and [L3], dist(x,M)=0 exactly when xM. Therefore [L1] gives x+MX/M=0 exactly when xM.

L1L2L3
2.1

If M is closed and x+MX/M=0, then step 1.1 gives xM=M. Hence x+M=M, the zero coset. So the quotient seminorm is definite and therefore a norm.

step 1.1L3
2.2

Conversely, assume the quotient seminorm is a norm. If M were not closed, then [L3] would give some xMM. Step 1.1 would then give x+MX/M=0, while x+MM because xM, contradicting definiteness. Therefore M is closed.

step 1.1L3assume-contradischarge-contradiction
3.1

Steps 2.1 and 2.2 prove the equivalence.

step 2.1step 2.2
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

The quotient map sends every open ball onto a set containing the corresponding quotient ball

Statement

Let X be a normed space, let MX be closed, and let q:XX/M be the quotient map. Then for every x0X and every r>0,

q(BX(x0,r))BX/M(q(x0),r).

In particular, q is an open map.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A normed space X, a closed linear subspace MX, a vector x0X, a real r>0, and a coset ξX/M.

[L1]

The quotient map is q(x)=x+M, and addition of cosets is inherited from the vector-space quotient (The quotient vector space (X/M), its cosets, and the quotient map (q:X\to X/M)).

[L2]

The quotient norm is x+MX/M=infmMx+m (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L3]

Because M is closed, the quotient seminorm is an honest norm on X/M (The quotient seminorm is a norm exactly when the subspace is closed).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

First take x0=0. Let ξ=x+M satisfy ξX/M<r. By [L2], choose mM with x+m<r. Then x+mBX(0,r) and q(x+m)=x+m+M=x+M=ξ by [L1]. Hence BX/M(0,r)q(BX(0,r)).

L1L2L3choose
2.1

For general x0, a coset ξ lies in BX/M(q(x0),r) exactly when ξq(x0)BX/M(0,r). By step 1.1 there is uBX(0,r) with q(u)=ξq(x0). Then q(x0+u)=q(x0)+q(u)=ξ, and x0+uBX(x0,r). Therefore q(BX(x0,r))BX/M(q(x0),r).

step 1.1L1
3.1

Every open ball in X has image containing an open ball in X/M, so q is open.

step 2.1L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A quotient of a Banach space by a closed subspace is Banach

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

Let X be a Banach space and let MX be a closed linear subspace. Then X/M is Banach for the quotient norm.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Countable Choice, a Banach space X, a closed linear subspace MX, and a Cauchy sequence (ξn) in X/M.

[L0]

Countable Choice is assumed (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

[L1]

A Banach space is complete for its norm metric (Banach space).

[L2]

The quotient norm is x+MX/M=infmMx+m (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L3]

Because M is closed, the quotient seminorm is a norm on X/M (The quotient seminorm is a norm exactly when the subspace is closed).

[L4]

In a Banach space, every absolutely convergent series converges (Series criterion for Banach spaces).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Since (ξn) is Cauchy in X/M, choose a strictly increasing sequence (nk) such that ξnk+1ξnkX/M<2k for every k0.

givenchoose
2.1

For each k, choose ukX representing ξnk+1ξnk and satisfying uk<2k+22k. This is possible by [L0], [L2], and step 1.1.

L0step 1.1L2choose
3.1

The series kuk is absolutely convergent because k(2k+22k) converges. Since X is Banach, [L4] gives a vector uX with kuk=u.

step 2.1L1L4
4.1

Let sj:=k=0j1uk. Because each uk represents ξnk+1ξnk, the coset q(sj) equals ξnjξn0. Therefore ξnj=ξn0+q(sj). Since sju in X, the tails satisfy usj0, and [L2] gives q(u)q(sj)X/Musj. Hence ξnjη:=ξn0+q(u) in X/M.

step 3.1L2
5.1

The whole sequence (ξn) converges to η. Given ε>0, choose J so that ξnξmX/M<ε/2 for all m,nJ, and also choose k with nkJ and ξnkηX/M<ε/2 from step 4.1. Then for every nJ,

ξnηX/MξnξnkX/M+ξnkηX/M<ε.

So (ξn) converges in X/M. [step 4.1, given, choose]

6.1

Every Cauchy sequence in X/M converges, so X/M is Banach by [L1].

step 5.1L1L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded operator that vanishes on a subspace factors uniquely through the normed quotient

Statement

Let X and Y be normed spaces over the same scalar field, let MX be a closed linear subspace, let q:XX/M be the quotient map, and let T:XY be a bounded linear operator with MkerT. Then there is a unique bounded linear operator T:X/MY such that

Tq=T,

and moreover T=T.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A closed linear subspace MX, the quotient map q:XX/M, and a bounded linear operator T:XY with MkerT.

[L1]

The algebraic quotient universal property gives a unique linear map T:X/MY with T(qx)=Tx (Universal property of the quotient vector space).

[L2]

The quotient norm is x+MX/M=infmMx+m (The quotient seminorm (|x+M|{X/M}=\inf{m\in M}|x+m|=\operatorname{dist}(x,M))).

[L4]

The quotient map sends the open unit ball of X onto a set containing the open unit ball of X/M (The quotient map sends every open ball onto a set containing the corresponding quotient ball).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L1], there is a unique linear map T:X/MY with T(qx)=Tx for every xX. This proves representative independence before any norm estimate.

L1
2.1

Let ξ=x+M and let mM. Since Tm=0, T(ξ)=Tx=T(x+m). If C is a bound for T from [L3], then T(ξ)Cx+m for every mM. Taking the infimum over m and using [L2] gives T(ξ)CξX/M. Hence T is bounded and TT.

step 1.1L2L3
3.1

For every xX, q(x)X/Mx because the infimum in [L2] can be evaluated at m=0. Therefore Tx=T(qx)Tx by step 2.1. Taking the supremum over x1 gives TT.

step 2.1L2L3
4.1

Step 2.1 gave TT, and step 3.1 gave the reverse inequality, so T=T. The unit-ball content of [L4] is the same geometric reason that no larger quotient bound is needed.

step 2.1step 3.1L4
5.1

The linear map in step 1.1 is therefore the unique bounded factor of T through the normed quotient, and it has the same operator norm.

step 1.1step 4.1
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A complemented closed subspace of a normed space

Definition

Let X be a normed space and let MX be a closed linear subspace. We say that M is complemented when there is a closed linear subspace NX such that every xX admits a unique decomposition

x=m+n(mM, nN),

and the coordinate maps

PM(x):=m,PN(x):=n

are bounded linear operators on X.

Remarks

  • The decomposition is written X=MN.
  • The theorem below shows that this is equivalent to M being the range of a bounded projection.
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A closed subspace is complemented exactly when it is the range of a bounded projection

Statement

Let X be a normed space and let MX. Then M is complemented if and only if there is a bounded linear operator P:XX such that

P2=P,ran(P)=M.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A normed space X, a linear subspace MX, and a bounded linear operator P:XX.

[L1]

If M is complemented, then X=MN for some closed subspace N and the coordinate maps PM and PN are bounded linear operators (A complemented closed subspace of a normed space).

[L2]

A bounded linear operator is linear and satisfies norm estimates (A bounded linear operator between normed spaces).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume M is complemented, and write x=m+n with mM, nN as in [L1]. Let P:=PM. Then P(x)=m, so P2(x)=P(m)=m=P(x) and ran(P)=M. Thus a complemented subspace is the range of a bounded projection.

L1
1.2

Conversely, assume P2=P and ran(P)=M. For every xX,

x=Px+(xPx).

Here PxM, and P(xPx)=PxP2x=0, so xPxkerP. [L2, algebra]

1.3

The kernel kerP is a closed linear subspace of X. It is linear because P is linear by [L2]. If xnkerP and xnx, let C be a bound for P from [L2]. Then Px=P(xxn)Cxxn0, so Px=0 and xkerP.

L2choose
2.1

The sum in step 1.2 is direct: if zMkerP, then z=Pw for some w and also Pz=0, so z=Pz=P2w=0. Therefore X=MkerP.

step 1.2L2algebra
3.1

The coordinate projections for the direct sum X=MkerP are P and IP. The first is bounded by hypothesis, and the second is bounded because (IP)xx+Px for every x. Together with steps 2.1 and 1.3, this is exactly the complemented-subspace condition of [L1].

step 2.1step 1.3L1L2algebra
4.1

Steps 1.1 and 3.1 prove the equivalence.

step 1.1step 3.1
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

A bounded operator that is bounded below

Definition

Let T:XY be a bounded linear operator. It is bounded below when there is a real constant c>0 such that

Txcxfor all xX.

Remarks

  • The inequality forces injectivity, because Tx=0 then implies x=0.
  • A bounded-below operator need not be surjective.
TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Under Dependent Choice, a bounded operator between Banach spaces is bounded below exactly when it is injective with closed range

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Dependent Choice (The axiom of dependent choice: a relation in which every element is related to something admits an N-indexed chain).

Let X and Y be Banach spaces over the same scalar field, and let T:XY be a bounded linear operator. Then T is bounded below if and only if it is injective and has closed range.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Banach spaces X and Y, and a bounded linear operator T:XY.

[L1]

Being bounded below means that some c>0 satisfies Txcx for every xX (A bounded operator that is bounded below).

[L2]

A Banach space is complete, and a closed subspace of a Banach space is Banach (Banach space, A closed subspace of a Banach space is Banach).

[L3]

In a nonempty complete metric space, a countable union of closed sets with empty interior cannot be the whole space (Under Dependent Choice, a nonempty complete metric space is not a countable union of closed sets with empty interior).

[L4]

A map is injective when equal outputs force equal inputs (Injection, surjection, bijection).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume T is bounded below, with constant c>0 from [L1]. If Tx=0, then 0=Txcx, so x=0 and x=0. Thus T is injective.

L1L4
1.2

Let (Txn) be a sequence in ran(T) converging to yY. Then xnxmc1TxnTxm by [L1], so (xn) is Cauchy in X and hence converges to some xX by [L2]. If C is any bound for T, then TxnTxCxnx0, so TxnTx. Since limits are unique in normed spaces, y=Tx. Therefore ran(T) is closed.

L1L2choose
1.3

Conversely, assume T is injective and ran(T) is closed. Then Z:=ran(T) is Banach by [L2], and T:XZ is a bounded linear bijection.

L2L4
1.4

Let B:={xX:x<1}. Since Z=n1T(nB), [L0] and [L3] yield an integer N1 such that T(NB) has nonempty interior in Z. So there exist z0Z and r>0 with BZ(z0,r)T(NB). Because 0T(NB) as well, subtraction gives BZ(0,r)T(2NB).

L0L2L3choose
2.1

We claim that every yZ with y<r has a preimage x with Tx=y and x4N. Start with e0:=y. If ek<r2k, then 2kek<r, so step 1.4 gives vk2NB with 2kekTvk<r/2. Put uk:=2kvk and ek+1:=ekTuk. Then uk2N2k and ek+1<r2k1. Inductively this constructs (uk) with ek<r2k for every k. The series kuk is absolutely convergent because k2N2k<, so [L2] gives x:=kukX with x4N. Also yT(j<muj)=em0, hence Tx=y.

step 1.4L2chooseconstruct
3.1

Now let zZ with z0. Put λ:=r/(2z), so λz=r/2<r. Step 2.1 gives uX with Tu=λz and u4N. Then x:=λ1u satisfies Tx=z and x(8N/r)z. The same inequality is trivial at z=0, so the inverse T1:ZX is bounded by 8N/r.

step 2.1algebra
4.1

Applying step 3.1 to z=Tx gives x(8N/r)Tx for every xX, that is, Tx(r/8N)x. Therefore T is bounded below.

step 3.1L1
5.1

Step 1.2 proves that bounded below implies injective with closed range, and steps 1.3 through 4.1 prove the converse.

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3step 4.1
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Bounded left inverses and bounded right inverses

Definition

Let T:XY be a bounded linear operator.

  • A bounded linear operator S:YX is a bounded left inverse for T when ST=IX.
  • A bounded linear operator S:YX is a bounded right inverse for T when TS=IY.

Here IX and IY denote the identity operators on X and Y.

Remarks

  • A left inverse forces injectivity, and a right inverse forces surjectivity.
  • Neither condition implies the other without extra hypotheses.
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Under Dependent Choice, a surjective bounded operator between Banach spaces has a bounded right inverse exactly when its kernel is complemented

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Dependent Choice (The axiom of dependent choice: a relation in which every element is related to something admits an N-indexed chain).

Let X and Y be Banach spaces over the same scalar field, and let T:XY be a surjective bounded linear operator. Then T has a bounded right inverse if and only if kerT is complemented in X.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Banach spaces X and Y, a surjective bounded linear operator T:XY, and a bounded linear operator S:YX.

[L1]

A bounded right inverse means TS=IY (Bounded left inverses and bounded right inverses).

[L2]

Complemented subspaces are exactly the ranges of bounded projections (A closed subspace is complemented exactly when it is the range of a bounded projection).

[L3]

For bounded operators between Banach spaces, injective with closed range is equivalent to bounded below (Under Dependent Choice, a bounded operator between Banach spaces is bounded below exactly when it is injective with closed range).

[L4]

A closed subspace of a Banach space is Banach (A closed subspace of a Banach space is Banach).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume S is a bounded right inverse of T, so TS=IY by [L1]. Define P:=IXST. Then P2=IX2ST+STST=IXST=P, because TST=T. Also, if SyCSy and TxCTx, then STxCSCTx and therefore Px(1+CSCT)x for every xX; so P is a bounded projection. Finally, TP=TTST=0, so ran(P)kerT.

L1givenalgebra
1.2

Conversely, assume kerT is complemented. Then there is a closed subspace LX with X=kerTL. The restriction TL:LY is injective, because LkerT={0}, and it is surjective because every xX decomposes as k+ with Tx=T. Since L is closed in the Banach space X, [L4] makes L Banach.

L4given
2.1

If xkerT, then Px=xSTx=x. Hence kerTran(P), and step 1.1 gives ran(P)=kerT. Therefore [L2] makes kerT complemented.

step 1.1L2
2.2

The map TL is a bounded bijection from the Banach space L onto the Banach space Y, so [L0] and [L3] make it bounded below. Hence its inverse R:YL is bounded, because R(y)c1y when Tc. The inclusion LX now gives a bounded linear map S:YX with TS=IY. Thus S is a bounded right inverse.

step 1.2L0L3
3.1

Steps 2.1 and 2.2 prove the equivalence.

step 2.1step 2.2
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-01Open item page →

Under Dependent Choice, an injective bounded operator between Banach spaces has a bounded left inverse exactly when its range is closed and complemented

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Dependent Choice (The axiom of dependent choice: a relation in which every element is related to something admits an N-indexed chain).

Let X and Y be Banach spaces over the same scalar field, and let T:XY be an injective bounded linear operator. Then T has a bounded left inverse if and only if ran(T) is closed and complemented in Y.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Banach spaces X and Y, an injective bounded linear operator T:XY, and a bounded linear operator S:YX.

[L1]

A bounded left inverse means ST=IX (Bounded left inverses and bounded right inverses).

[L2]

Complemented subspaces are exactly the ranges of bounded projections (A closed subspace is complemented exactly when it is the range of a bounded projection).

[L3]

For bounded operators between Banach spaces, injective with closed range is equivalent to bounded below (Under Dependent Choice, a bounded operator between Banach spaces is bounded below exactly when it is injective with closed range).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Assume S is a bounded left inverse of T, so ST=IX by [L1]. If Txny in Y, then xn=S(Txn)S(y) because S is bounded. Since T is bounded as well, TxnT(Sy). Hence y=T(Sy), so ran(T) is closed.

L1given
1.2

Conversely, assume ran(T) is closed and complemented in Y. Since T is injective and has closed range, [L0] and [L3] make it bounded below. Thus the inverse R:ran(T)X defined by R(Tx)=x is bounded.

L0L3
2.1

With P:=TS, one has P2=T(ST)S=TS=P. If TxCTx and SyCSy, then Py=TSyCTCSy, so P is bounded. For every yY, Py=TSy lies in ran(T). If y=Tx is already in the range, then Py=TSTx=Tx=y. So ran(P)=ran(T), and [L2] shows that the range is complemented.

step 1.1L1givenL2algebra
2.2

Let P:YY be a bounded projection onto ran(T), given by [L2]. Then S:=RP:YX is bounded and STx=R(P(Tx))=R(Tx)=x for every xX. Hence S is a bounded left inverse of T.

step 1.2L2algebra
3.1

Steps 2.1 and 2.2 prove the equivalence.

step 2.1step 2.2

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

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