# What's wrong with this spectrum of a “scalar product” in $l^2$?

Let $T\in B(l^2)$ be s.t. $Tx=(\alpha_1 x_1, \alpha_2 x_2, \cdots )$, where the set of all $\alpha$ is dense in $[0,1]$.

I've shown that the set of all eigenvalues is $A=(\alpha_j)_1^\infty$. The resolvend operator, where it exists, is bounded. Therefore, the continuous spectrum is empty. The range of $T-\lambda I$ is the entire $l^2$. Therefore, the residual spectrum is empty.

But is this true? I never used the fact that $\alpha$ is dense in $[0,1]$, which leads me to believe that at least one of my conclusions above is false.

(If possible, I prefer hints over solutions.)

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The differense that "A is dense in [0,1]" makes is that I know $||T|| < 1$. – Belen Dec 17 '12 at 9:49
Haven't you learned yet that the spectrum is always closed in $\Bbb{C}$? – Chris Eagle Dec 17 '12 at 9:53
@ChrisEagle Yes, and on a Banach space, compact. – Belen Dec 17 '12 at 9:54
Then you know your answer is incorrect. So you should examine your argument to find the errors. – Chris Eagle Dec 17 '12 at 9:57
Thanks, I think I've found the flaw. (Can't delete my question, though?) – Belen Dec 17 '12 at 10:08
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## 1 Answer

But the sets are not bounded for all $\lambda\notin A$!

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