Define the dual space V∗ of a finite-dimensional real vector space V, and explain what is meant by the basis of V∗ dual to a given basis of V. Explain also what is meant by the statement that the second dual V∗∗ is naturally isomorphic to V.
Let Vn denote the space of real polynomials of degree at most n. Show that, for any real number x, the function ex mapping p to p(x) is an element of Vn∗. Show also that, if x1,x2,…,xn+1 are distinct real numbers, then {ex1,ex2,…,exn+1} is a basis of Vn∗, and find the basis of Vn dual to it.
Deduce that, for any (n+1) distinct points x1,…,xn+1 of the interval [−1,1], there exist scalars λ1,…,λn+1 such that
∫−11p(t)dt=i=1∑n+1λip(xi)
for all p∈Vn. For n=4 and (x1,x2,x3,x4,x5)=(−1,−21,0,21,1), find the corresponding scalars λi.