How Do You Prove (det A)aij = Cij(A) for an Orthogonal Matrix with det(A)=+1?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the equation (det A)aij = Cij(A) for an orthogonal matrix A with det(A) = +1. Participants clarify that det(A) = +1 indicates a rotation, while det(A) = -1 typically represents a reflection. The proof involves using the definition of the determinant and the properties of cofactors, specifically that (det A)aij can be expressed as a product of the indexed element and the sum of cofactors. The importance of correctly indexing elements outside the summation is emphasized, along with the relationship A^-1 = A^T for orthogonal matrices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of orthogonal matrices and their properties
  • Familiarity with determinants and cofactor expansion
  • Knowledge of matrix transposition and inverses
  • Basic concepts of linear algebra
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  • Study the properties of orthogonal matrices in detail
  • Learn about cofactor expansion in determinants
  • Explore the relationship between matrix inverses and transposes
  • Investigate the implications of det(A) = -1 in linear transformations
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra, matrix theory, and applications in physics. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of determinants and orthogonal matrices.

ognik
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Hi, the question (from math methods for physicists) is: If A is orthogonal and det(A)=+1, show that (det A)aij = Cij(A).

I know that if det(A)=+1, then we are looking at a rotation.
(Side question - I have seen that det(A) =-1 can be a reflection, but is 'mostly not reflections'; what does det(A)=-1 most often indicate then? A link to something simple that covers this would be nice :-) - I couldn't find anything)

But my main issue is to prove the above. I want to do this using indexing, so I tried:
By defn: det A = $ \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1})^{i+j}{C}_{ij}(A) $
Then (det A)aij = $ {a}_{ij} \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1}^{i+j}){C}_{ij}(A) $ ...

What struck me immediately is I don't know how to treat what happens when an indexed element is outside the summation? I am reasonably sure that aij is a single element here, so I can't include it in the summation. I can almost see an argument that by multiplying by the aijth element, I am 'selecting' only that element's cofactor out of the summation - but that seems too flimsy to me, would appreciate a better understanding.

Another side question is that I have the definition of a cofactor as: $ {C}_{ij}(A)=({-1})^{i+j}{M}_{ij}(A) $ Where {M}_{ij} is the minor...
It seems to me that $ ({-1})^{i+j} $ shouldn't be in both $ \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1})^{i+j}{C}_{ij}(A) $ AND $ {C}_{ij}(A)=({-1})^{i+j}{M}_{ij}(A) $ ?

Thanks
 
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ognik said:
Hi, the question (from math methods for physicists) is: If A is orthogonal and det(A)=+1, show that (det A)aij = Cij(A).

I know that if det(A)=+1, then we are looking at a rotation.
(Side question - I have seen that det(A) =-1 can be a reflection, but is 'mostly not reflections'; what does det(A)=-1 most often indicate then? A link to something simple that covers this would be nice :-) - I couldn't find anything)

But my main issue is to prove the above. I want to do this using indexing, so I tried:
By defn: det A = $ \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1})^{i+j}{C}_{ij}(A) $
Then (det A)aij = $ {a}_{ij} \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1}^{i+j}){C}_{ij}(A) $ ...

What struck me immediately is I don't know how to treat what happens when an indexed element is outside the summation? I am reasonably sure that aij is a single element here, so I can't include it in the summation. I can almost see an argument that by multiplying by the aijth element, I am 'selecting' only that element's cofactor out of the summation - but that seems too flimsy to me, would appreciate a better understanding.

Another side question is that I have the definition of a cofactor as: $ {C}_{ij}(A)=({-1})^{i+j}{M}_{ij}(A) $ Where {M}_{ij} is the minor...
It seems to me that $ ({-1})^{i+j} $ shouldn't be in both $ \sum_{}^{}{a}_{ij}({-1})^{i+j}{C}_{ij}(A) $ AND $ {C}_{ij}(A)=({-1})^{i+j}{M}_{ij}(A) $ ?

Thanks

Hi ognik!

It seems to me we shouldn't worry much which summation applies to find $\det A$.
That's because we already know that $\det A = 1$.

Anyway, to answer your side questions first.
You are quite right that you have a superfluous $({-1})^{i+j}$ in your summation for $\det A$.
And if you have an indexed element outside of the summation, it should use different indices.

So it should be:
$$(\det A)a_{ij} = {a}_{ij} \sum_{k,l}^{}{a}_{kl}(-1)^{k+l}{M}_{kl}(A) = {a}_{ij} \sum_{k,l}^{}{a}_{kl}{C}_{kl}(A)$$To get back to your problem, perhaps you can use that an orthogonal matrix has the property that $A^{-1}=A^T$.
And that an inverse is given by $A^{-1}=\frac{1}{\det A}\big(C(A)\big)^T$.
 
Hi and thanks. I wasn't sure I could use that inverse relationship as it hasn't been covered in the text yet, but I can't see any other way. Having said that, i think I need some more understanding as you will see:
$$ If\: A^-1 =\frac{1}{\left| A \right|}.{C}^{T}\;then\:\left| A \right|\left({A}^{-1}\right)={C}^{T} $$
$$ Then \:\left| A \right|\left({A}^{-1}\right)_{ij} ={C}^{T}_{ij}\:\:but\:{C}^{T}_{ij}={C}_{ji}$$
So for what I am trying to prove, somehow $$\left({A}^{-1}\right)_{ij}\:must\:=A_{ji} $$
but I don't know why that would be true?
 
..sorry, of course I do! For an orthog matrix
$$ {A}^{-1}={A}^{T} \therefore ({A}^{-1})_{ij}={A}^{T}_{ij}={A}_{ji} $$
Thanks for your help (BTW, how do I add a thanks?)
 
Good! :)

Every post has a thanks button at the bottom right.
 
I also found that after I posted, one of those days ...
Would appreciate it if you had a look at http://mathhelpboards.com/advanced-applied-mathematics-16/confirm-equation-numerov-method-14831.html ... thanks again :-)
 

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