Undergrad How to derive a symmetric tensor?

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To derive a symmetric tensor like Q_ij, one must consider its dependence on time through the components of motion, specifically the velocities and positions represented by x_i and x_j. The tensor resembles the total energy expression, indicating its potential application in energy calculations within physical systems. The symmetry in the tensor is crucial for ensuring that it behaves consistently under transformations, which is important in physics. The inclusion of indices allows for a more comprehensive representation of interactions between different dimensions or components. Understanding this tensor can enhance insights into the dynamics of systems in mechanics and field theories.
Cathr
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Let ##Q_ik## be a symetric tensor, so that ##Q_ik= \frac{m}{2} \dot x_i \dot x_j + \frac{k}{2} x_i x_j## (here k is also a sub, couldn't do it better with LaTeX).
How do we derive such a tensor, with respect to time? And what could such a tensor mean in a physical sense? It really looks like the tensor for the total energy, except that I don't understand the need for adding indices to create a symmetrical form.
 
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I apologize, the formula is actually ##Q_{ij}= \frac{m}{2} \dot x_i \dot x_j + \frac{k}{2} x_i x_j## .
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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