Coordinate transformation matrix?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the definition of orthogonal transformation matrices, specifically focusing on the mathematical properties and implications of such matrices, including their relationship with the Kronecker delta and the concept that the inverse of an orthogonal matrix is equal to its transpose. The scope includes technical explanations and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the definition of orthogonal transformation matrices and their properties.
  • Another participant explains that the expression A(i,j)A(k,j) relates to the identity matrix, indicating that the ik'th entry of the product of a matrix and its transpose is 1 if i=k and 0 otherwise.
  • A participant expresses confusion regarding the notation and requests a simpler explanation of the previous points made.
  • Another participant attempts to clarify the notation used for matrix entries and encourages working through examples to understand matrix multiplication better.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus, as there is confusion expressed by one participant regarding the explanations provided, indicating that multiple views and levels of understanding exist within the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of mathematical notation and the understanding of matrix multiplication among participants, which may affect the discussion.

Will_C
Can anyone tell me:
1) How to understand the defination to orthogonal transformation matrix?
Defination: A(i,j)A(k,j)=q(i,k) where q is Kronecker delta.
2) Why the inverse of this orthogonal matrix is equal to its transpose?

Will.
 
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In short if we want to find the pq'th entry of a product of matrices then

[tex](AB)_{p,q}= \sum_r A_{p,r}B_{r,q}:=A_{p,r}B_{r,q}[/tex]

the convention being that when ever we see a repeated index we sum.

What does A(i,j)A(k,j) mean? well the (k,j)th entry of A is the jk'th entry in A transpose, so what you've written is the same as (AA^t)(i,k) and states that

"the ik'th entry of AA^t is 1 if i=k, and zero otherwise"#

which is exactly what it means to be the identity matrix.

Thus 1 and 2 are exactly the same thing.
 
Excuse me, matt grime,
I am not quite understand what you mentioned above.
Would you mind make it simply or explain it more?
BTW, I don't know how to input math symbol (such as summation sign, subscript...) in the thread.

Thx,
Will.
 
Let's try and see where the problem is:

Have you met the notation that

[tex]A_{i,j}[/tex]

is the entry in row i column j of a matrix?

cick on the maths to see how to typeset it.

Did you try and work through some small examples, such as 2x2 matrices to see how this notation does indeed show how they multiply together?

If A and B are 2x2 matrices then, as we all know,

[tex](AB)_{1,1} = A_{1,1}B_{1,1} + A_{1,2}B_{2,1}[/tex]

which is exactly what I wrote with the summation sign. You've done summation signs right?


Then entry in row i column j of A^t is the same as the entry in row j column i of A.

Do you see that?
 

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