How Can I Simplify and Solve the Einstein Summation Convention Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on simplifying the Einstein Summation Convention problem, specifically the expression $$a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \epsilon_{ij \ell} \, \epsilon_{3k \ell}$$. The user initially struggled with the complexity of the terms but received guidance on utilizing Kronecker deltas to eliminate indices. The final solution derived is $$a_3 (b \cdot c) - b_3 (c \cdot a)$$, demonstrating a successful application of the summation convention and delta functions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein Summation Convention
  • Familiarity with Kronecker delta notation
  • Basic knowledge of tensor algebra
  • Experience with vector operations in linear algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Kronecker delta in tensor calculus
  • Learn about the Levi-Civita symbol and its applications
  • Explore advanced topics in tensor algebra
  • Practice solving problems involving Einstein notation and vector calculus
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Students and professionals in physics or engineering, particularly those dealing with tensor analysis and vector calculus, will benefit from this discussion.

Athenian
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Homework Statement
Solve ##a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \epsilon_{ij \ell} \, \epsilon_{3k \ell}##
Relevant Equations
See Below ##\longrightarrow##
Attempted Solution:
$$a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \epsilon_{ij \ell} \, \epsilon_{3k \ell}$$
$$a_i\, b_j\, c_k\, (\delta_{i3} \, \delta_{jk} - \, \delta_{ik}\, \delta_{j3})$$

Beyond this, though, I am quite lost. I know I am very close to the answer, but seeing this many terms can become fairly confusing for me. Is there a way or method to better (and simply) digest the above problem and solve it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
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Athenian said:
Homework Statement:: Solve ##a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \epsilon_{ij \ell} \, \epsilon_{3k \ell}##
Relevant Equations:: See Below ##\longrightarrow##

Attempted Solution:
$$a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \epsilon_{ij \ell} \, \epsilon_{3k \ell}$$
$$a_i\, b_j\, c_k\, (\delta_{i3} \, \delta_{jk} - \, \delta_{ik}\, \delta_{j3})$$

Beyond this, though, I am quite lost. I know I am very close to the answer, but seeing this many terms can become fairly confusing for me. Is there a way or method to better (and simply) digest the above problem and solve it?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
That's the correct first step. Now, each Kronecker delta can be used to get rid of one of the indices that appears in it. For example, what happens if you sum over the index "i"?
 
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@nrqed, thank you for the helpful hint and guidance! I was finally able to figure it out as seen below:

Continuing where I left off:
$$a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \delta_{i3} \, \delta_{jk} - a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \delta_{ik} \, \delta_{j3}$$
$$\Rightarrow a_3 \, b_k \, c_k - a_i \, b_c \, c_i$$
$$\Rightarrow a_3 (b \cdot c) - b_3 (c \cdot a)$$

Thank you for all your help!
 
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Athenian said:
@nrqed, thank you for the helpful hint and guidance! I was finally able to figure it out as seen below:

Continuing where I left off:
$$a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \delta_{i3} \, \delta_{jk} - a_i \, b_j \, c_k \, \delta_{ik} \, \delta_{j3}$$
$$\Rightarrow a_3 \, b_k \, c_k - a_i \, b_c \, c_i$$
$$\Rightarrow a_3 (b \cdot c) - b_3 (c \cdot a)$$

Thank you for all your help!
Good job!
 
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Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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