If $π_0$ is the orthogonal projection onto the space $H_0$ of constant $L^2(\mu)$-functions, then $π_0f=\int f\:{\rm d}\mu$ for all $f\in L^2(\mu)$

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Let $(\Omega,\mathcal A,\mu)$ be a finite measure space and $H_\lambda$ be a closed subspace of $L^2(\mu)$ for $\lambda\ge0$ such that $(H_\lambda)_{\lambda\ge0}$ is nondecreasing. Assume $H_0$ is the space of constant functions $\Omega\to\mathbb R$. Let $\pi_\lambda$ denote the orthogonal projection of $H_\lambda$ onto $H_0$.

Are we able to conclude $$\pi_0f=\int f\:{\rm d}\mu\tag1$$ for all $f\in L^2(\mu)$?

By assumption, we should obtain $$\langle\pi_\lambda1,g\rangle_{L^2(\mu)}=\langle1,g\rangle_{L^2(\mu)}=\int g\:{\rm d}\mu\;\;\;\text{for all }\lambda\ge0\text{ and }g\in L^2(\mu)\tag2.$$ Now $(1)$ seems to be trivial, but how do we need to argue?

Best Answer

Actually, (1) is not true.

The projection is characterized by $\pi_0 f \in H_0$, i.e., $\pi_0 f$ is a constant function (with value $c_f$), and $$(\pi_0 f, g) = (f, g) \qquad \forall g \in H_0.$$

Plug in $g = 1$ to obtain $$ \int_\Omega c_f \, \mathrm d\mu = \int_\Omega f \, \mathrm{d}\mu.$$ Thus, $$ c_f = \frac{\int_\Omega f \, \mathrm d\mu}{\mu(\Omega)}.$$

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