TITLE: A subspace $X$ is closed iff $X =( X^\perp)^\perp$
QUESTION [6 upvotes]: Let $X$ be a subspace of a Hilbert space $H$.
prove:
$X$ is closed iff $X =( X^\perp)^\perp$ 
I do not know how to proceed. any hints would be appreciated.
thanks.
$X^\perp = ${ $y \in H$:$\langle x,y\rangle = 0 \forall x \in  X\}$.

REPLY [5 votes]: $(\rightarrow)$ If $X$ is closed linear subspace of a Hilbert space then $X=X^{\perp\perp}$
Proof: Let $x\in X$. Then for all $y\in X^\perp$, $(x,y)=\overline{(y,x)}=0$, so $x\in X^{\perp\perp}$. Thus, $X\subset X^{\perp\perp}$.
Now suppose that $x\in X^{\perp\perp}$. By the orthogonal decomposition theorem; $x=y+z$ where $y\in X$ and $z\in X^\perp$. Since $y\in X$ and $x\in X^{\perp\perp}$, $(x,z)=0=(y,z)$. Thus, $$0=(x,z)=(y+z,z)=(y,z)+(z,z)=||z||^2.$$
So, $z=0$ and $x=y\in X$. Therefore $X^{\perp\perp}\subset X$. Which gives $X=X^{\perp\perp}$, as required.
$(\leftarrow)$ If $X=X^{\perp\perp}$ then $X$ is a closed linear subspace of a Hilbert space.
You could try the proof of the converse for yourself. Hint: use a sequence in $X$ together with the definition of the orthogonal complement, show that the limit point is in $X$ or $X^{\perp\perp}$. (Edit: Alternatively, see @learnmore's answer)