3
$\begingroup$

Let $X$ be a Banach space with continuous dual space $X'$ with norm topology. Let us regard the following property of $X$:

Property: Any linear subset $A \subset X'$ that satisfies $\bigcap_{\alpha\in A} \ker\alpha = \{0\}$ is dense in $X'$.

Any reflexive space $X$ has this property. Can you classify the spaces that share this property? I wonder whether it is equivalent to reflexivity.

$\endgroup$

1 Answer 1

3
$\begingroup$

Let $\Phi\in X''$ be non-zero, let $\alpha_0\in X'$ be such that $\Phi(\alpha_0)=1$, and let $A$ be the collection of $\alpha\in X'$ with $\Phi(\alpha)=0$. Then $A$ is a subspace of $X'$, and any $\beta\in X'$ is equal to \[ \beta = \Phi(\beta)\alpha_0 + (\beta - \Phi(\beta)\alpha_0) \in \mathbb K\alpha_0 \oplus A, \] where $\mathbb K\alpha_0$ means the span of single element $\alpha_0$ (over whatever field you are using). In particular, $A$ is not norm dense.

Suppose now that $x\in X$ is non-zero, but with $\alpha(x)=0$ for all $\alpha\in A$. Then for any $\beta\in X'$ we have that \[ \beta(x) = \Phi(\beta)\alpha_0(x) + (\beta - \Phi(\beta)\alpha_0)(x) = \Phi(\beta) \alpha_0(x). \] Thus $x = \alpha_0(x) \Phi$, in particular, as $x$ is non-zero, $\alpha_0(x)\not=0$, and so $\Phi = \alpha_0(x)^{-1} x$.

Thus, if $X$ is not reflexive, I can choose $\Phi\in X''\setminus X$, and then I have found a suitable set $A$ which is not dense. So your condition is equivalent to reflexivity.

$\endgroup$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.