How Do You Calculate g(W,W) Using the Given Metric?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the metric tensor \( g(W,W) \) using a specified metric \( g = du^1 \otimes du^1 - du^2 \otimes du^2 \) and the vector \( W = \partial_1 + \partial_2 \). The focus is on the mathematical reasoning involved in this calculation, including the properties of the metric tensor.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the metric and seeks guidance on calculating \( g(W,W) \).
  • Another participant explains that the metric tensor is bilinear and provides a detailed breakdown of the calculation, leading to the conclusion that \( g(W,W) = 0 \) based on the components of the metric.
  • A later post acknowledges the explanation but reiterates the request for clarification on the calculation process.
  • Another participant reformulates the metric in matrix terms and attempts to perform the calculation using matrix multiplication, arriving at the same result of \( g(W,W) = 0 \).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be agreement on the calculation leading to \( g(W,W) = 0 \), but the discussion includes multiple approaches to the calculation, indicating that participants are exploring different methods without a definitive consensus on the preferred approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve potential ambiguities in the definitions of the metric components or the assumptions made regarding the coordinate basis vectors.

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Suppose, I have the next metric:
[tex]g = du^1 \otimes du^1 - du^2 \otimes du^2[/tex]

And I want to calculate [tex]g(W,W)[/tex], where for example [tex]W=\partial_1 + \partial_2[/tex]

How would I calculate it?

Thanks.
 
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The metric tensor is bilinear so [itex]g_p(\partial _{1} + \partial _{2}, \partial _{1} + \partial _{2}) = g_p(\partial _{1} + \partial _{2},\partial _{1}) + g_p(\partial _{1} + \partial _{2},\partial _{2}) = \\g_p(\partial _{1},\partial _{1}) + g_p(\partial _{2},\partial _{1}) + g_p(\partial _{1},\partial _{2}) + g_p(\partial _{2},\partial _{2}) = g_{11}(p) + 2g_{12}(p) + g_{22}(p) = 1 +0 - 1 = 0[/itex].

Assuming by [itex]\partial _{i}|_{p}[/itex] you are talking about the coordinate basis vectors, [itex]g_p(\partial _{i},\partial _{j}) = g_{ij}[/itex].
 
ok, thanks.
 
In matrix terms we can representn [itex]g = du^1 \otimes du^1+ 0 du^1\otimes du^2+ 0 du^2\otimes du^1 - du^2 \otimes du^2[/itex] as
[tex]\begin{pmatrix}1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1\end{pmatrix}[/tex]

And I want to calculate [tex]g(W,W)[/tex], where for example [tex]W=\partial_1 + \partial_2[/tex]

How would I calculate it?

Thanks.
[tex]\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1 & 0 \\ 0 & -1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}= \begin{pmatrix}1 & -1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 1\end{pmatrix}= 1+ (-1)= 0[/tex]
 

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