Is Scalar Multiplication of Vectors Written Without Parentheses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the notation and definition of scalar multiplication of vectors, particularly whether scalar multiplication can be expressed without parentheses and if juxtaposition can be used in such expressions. Participants explore the implications of these notations in mathematical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the product of multiple scalars with a vector can be defined without parentheses, citing the rules of scalar multiplication.
  • Another participant emphasizes that scalar multiplication can be expressed using juxtaposition, but notes that clarity is needed when dealing with products involving vectors.
  • A different participant points out that the expression a*b*c*E*D is not defined without a clear definition of the multiplication of the vectors involved.
  • There is a mention of the requirement for matrix size compatibility when multiplying matrices, although this point diverges from the main focus on scalar multiplication.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of juxtaposition and the necessity of parentheses in scalar multiplication. No consensus is reached regarding the definitions and notations discussed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the need for precise definitions when dealing with vector multiplication, particularly in the context of multiple scalars and the potential for confusion with different types of vector products.

C0nfused
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Hi everybody,
I have a small question. I know that we have defined multiplication of a number and a vector ,for example b*A (capital letters =vectors, everything else=real numbers). We have also defined that b*(c*A)=(b*c)*A. From these two rules is a*b*c*d*...*k*Z defined (= product of n numbers with a vector) without using parentheses? What about a*b*c*E*D ? And one last thing: is scalar multiplication also written with juxtaposition? For example the above examples can be written like this: abcd...kZ and abcE*D ?
Thanks
 
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You can multiply a scalar by a matrix anytime you want. However in order to multiply a matrix by another matrix their size has to be compatible.

[tex]A_{m x n} * B_{n x p}[/tex]. For example,
[tex]A _ {2 x 3} = \left(<br /> \begin{array}{x1x2x3}<br /> 2 & 4 & 3\\<br /> 1 & -1 & 5\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex] can only be multiplied by a matrix which is in [tex]B_{3 x n}[/tex] form.

So let [tex]B_{3x5}= \left(<br /> \begin{array}{x1x2x3x4x5}<br /> 1 & 0 & 5 & 2 & 3\\<br /> 0 & -1 & 2 & 4 & 1\\<br /> 4 & 5 & 6 & 7 & 8<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

The resulting matrix will be [tex]A_{2x3} * B_{3x5} = C_{2x5}[/tex]
[tex]C_{2x5} = \left(<br /> \begin{array}{x1x2x3x4x5}<br /> 14 & 11 & 36 & 41 & 34\\<br /> 21 & 26 & 33 & 33 & 42\\<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)[/tex]

If you have [tex](a*b*c*d) * (A_{3x5} * B_{5x4} * C_{4x7}[/tex] The resulting matrix will be: [tex](a*b*c*d) * (M_{3x7})[/tex]
 
C0nfused said:
Hi everybody,
I have a small question. I know that we have defined multiplication of a number and a vector ,for example b*A (capital letters =vectors, everything else=real numbers). We have also defined that b*(c*A)=(b*c)*A. From these two rules is a*b*c*d*...*k*Z defined (= product of n numbers with a vector) without using parentheses? What about a*b*c*E*D ? And one last thing: is scalar multiplication also written with juxtaposition? For example the above examples can be written like this: abcd...kZ and abcE*D ?
Thanks

a*b*c*E*D is not defined without first defining the multiplication of two vectors (so in otherwords you'd have to say exactly what E*D means).

It is usual to use juxtapostion for the multiplication of two scalars or the multiplication of a scalar by a vector. As there is more than one kind of product of two vectors, it's usual to use whatever binary operator denotes that product to avoid confusion.
 
Thanks for your answers
 

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