How Does the Kronecker Delta Function as a Substitution Operator?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Kronecker Delta function and its role as a substitution operator in mathematical expressions. Participants are exploring how this function behaves under certain conditions and its implications in summation notation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of the Kronecker Delta and its application in summation. There are attempts to expand a sum involving the Kronecker Delta, with some questioning whether all necessary information is provided in the problem statement.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion and seek clarification on the problem, while others provide insights that guide the discussion forward. There is acknowledgment of the Kronecker Delta's function in simplifying expressions, but no consensus on the completeness of the problem's information.

Contextual Notes

There are indications that important details may be missing from the problem statement, which could affect the understanding of the Kronecker Delta's application.

bossman007
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Homework Statement



[PLAIN]http://postimage.org/image/s7m1kohst/ [/PLAIN]


Homework Equations



The Kronecker Delta = 1 ; if i=j

The Kronecker Delta = 0 ; i (not equal) j

The Attempt at a Solution



I have no idea what to do from here, or even if I did this first step right?
[PLAIN]http://postimage.org/image/t3d3u9qg7/ [/PLAIN]
 
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Still no luck on my own :(
 
bossman007 said:
Still no luck on my own :(

Okay so expanding your sum :

\sum_{i=1}^{3}a_iδ_{ij} = a_1δ_{1j} + a_2δ_{2j} + a_3δ_{3j}

Note that the only term which survives is the term a_jδ_{jj} where i=j, but δ_{jj} = 1 as per the Delta Kronecker. So a_jδ_{jj} = a_j

Are you sure that's the question? I feel as if you're missing something. Some important intervals are not mentioned here.
 
Thats the entire problem...im still confused from ur response, but I feel u gave me a good nudge in the right direction. thx
 
Last edited:
That's the entire problem...hmmm
 
I solved it for good, I understand it now. many thanks. The Kronecker Delta has the role of a substitution operator, basically replacing a repeated indice
 

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