Example of Kronecker Delta Identity in 3D Matrix R

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The discussion focuses on the application of the Kronecker Delta identity in the context of a 3D rotation matrix R. Participants clarify that the expression R_{ii'} R_{jj'} \delta_{i'j'} involves summation over repeated indices, leading to the conclusion that R R^T equals the identity matrix. An example of a rotation matrix is provided, specifically R = [[cos(θ), sin(θ), 0], [-sin(θ), cos(θ), 0], [0, 0, 1]]. The importance of understanding matrix multiplication and index manipulation is emphasized, encouraging users to work through the steps independently for better comprehension. This discussion aids in grasping the relationship between matrix operations and the Kronecker Delta identity.
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Kronecker Delta expression

Please, give me an example of this identity using a 3 dimensional matrix R (maybe representing a rotation). My difficulty lies in the indices manipulation.

<br /> R_{ii&#039;}R{jj&#039;}\delta_{i&#039;j&#039;} = \delta_{ij}<br />

I know it is obvious, but I'm really stuck in my self-teaching. Thank you.
 
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Are you summing over repeated indices, e.g.
R_{ii&#039;} R_{jj&#039;} \delta_{i&#039;j&#039;} \text{ means } \sum_{i&#039;, j&#039;} R_{ii&#039;} R_{jj&#039;} \delta_{i&#039;j&#039;}?
By the definition of matrix multiplication:
R_{ij} R_{kl} \delta_{jl}= R_{ij} R_{kj} = R_{ij} R_{jk}^T = R_{ij} R_{jk}^T = (R R^T)_{ik}
This is important, you should convince yourself of each step. If you must, write it out in matrices and compare each step to the index notation, seeing how operations like multiplying two matrices or taking a transpose translate into operations on the indices.

If this is equal to \delta_{ik} that means that R R^T is the identity matrix. An example of such a matrix is, such as
R = \begin{pmatrix} \cos\theta &amp; \sin\theta &amp; 0 \\ -\sin\theta &amp; \cos\theta &amp; 0 \\ 0 &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \end{pmatrix}

If you want you can explicitly write out all the 9 components of the left hand side (let i and j run and sum over k), and show that you are really just multiplying R by R^T. Or if you are not sadistic, take a 2x2 matrix :)

Sorry if I am too general, but I think it is best if you work through the manipulations yourself.
 
Thank you for the answer. That's exactly what I expected. :)
 
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