[Math] Every orthonormal set in a Hilbert space is contained in some complete orthonormal set.

functional-analysishilbert-spacesorthonormal

Let $H$ be a Hilbert space. Show that every orthonormal set in $H$ is contained in some complete orthonormal set.

I'm unable to start from any direction. Do I use the Gram-Schmidt orthogonalization process to construct a complete orthonormal set that contains a chosen orthonormal set?

Best Answer

Suppose that $D$ is your orthonormal set. You can define $$M = \overline{\mathrm{span}\, D}$$ so that $M$ is a closed subspace of $H$ and finite linear combinations of elements in $D$ are dense in $M$. That is, $D$ is a complete orthonormal set in $M$. Now write $$H = M \oplus M^\perp$$ and let $D'$ be a complete orthonormal set in $M^\perp$. You will need the axiom of choice for this, in general. Then $D \cup D'$ is the set you are looking for.

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