Commutator [A^n,B] = ? | Prove [AnB] = nAn-1[A,B] for n | Integrer | [A,B]=AB-BA

  • Thread starter Thread starter helpcometk
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Commutator
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the commutator identity [A^n, B] = nA^(n-1)[A, B] for integer n, given the assumption that [A, [A, B]] = 0 and [B, [A, B]] = 0. The subject area involves operator algebra and properties of commutators in mathematical physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss manipulating the exponent n and the implications of using mathematical induction as a potential approach. Some express uncertainty about differentiating operators and question the validity of such methods in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various approaches being suggested, including the use of mathematical induction. Participants are exploring different interpretations of the problem and the necessary steps to prove the identity, but no consensus has been reached on a definitive method.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions in place regarding the properties of the operators involved, and some participants note the need for intermediate steps to establish certain identities before tackling the main proof.

helpcometk
Messages
71
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Prove that [AnB] =nAn-1[A,B] for integrer n , assume [A,[A,B]]=0=[B,[A,B]]

Homework Equations


[A,B]=AB-BA


The Attempt at a Solution


Does anyone know how i should go to manipulate the exponent n ? I have tried to search but found nothing about a commutator like this properties.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Use the Principle of Mathematic induction and the commutator rule:
<br /> \left[ A \, C, B \right] = A \, \left[ C, B \right] + \left[A, B \right] \, C<br />
 
you can play as long as you ant with this formula ,but you will never be able to get what is asked except if you differentiate somehow ,becsuse you need have one n ,that is not exponent of A or B
 
You will also need to prove as an intermediate step that:
<br /> \left(\forall n \in \mathbb{N} \right) \left[ A^{n}, \left[ A, B \right] \right] = 0<br />
For this, use the principle of mathematical induction again and what you are given in the problem.
 
helpcometk said:
you can play as long as you ant with this formula ,but you will never be able to get what is asked except if you differentiate somehow ,becsuse you need have one n ,that is not exponent of A or B

By this logic, the only way to get 3x^2 from x^3 is to differentiate. Does that really seem like a reasonable thing to claim? (What happens if you multiply x^3 by \frac{3}{x}, for example?

Instead of differentiating your commutator somehow (Have you even defined how to differentiate an operator? Are your operators differentiable?), I suggest you follow DickFore's advice and use a proof by induction. I'd start by looking at a fairly simple case like n=2.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K