Jacobian of the linear transform Y = AX

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The discussion focuses on finding the Jacobian of the transformation Y = AX, where Y and X are elements of R^n and A is an nxn matrix. Participants clarify that when A is a constant matrix, the Jacobian simplifies to the determinant of A. The transformation can be viewed as a vector of functions, leading to the conclusion that the Jacobian is equivalent to the determinant of A transposed, which is the same as the determinant of A. The key takeaway is that the Jacobian for this linear transformation is simply the determinant of the matrix A. Understanding this relationship is crucial for solving related problems in multivariable calculus.
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Homework Statement



Y = AX = g(X)

Where X,Y are elements of R^n and A is a nxn matrix.

What is the Jacobian of this transformation, Jg(x)?


Homework Equations



N.A.

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I know what to do in the non-matrix case. For example...

U = g(x,y)
V = h(x,y)

The transformation can be seen as a vector valued function f(x,y) = (g(x,y),h(x,y)). So the jacobian of this transform, Jf(x,y) = the determinant of a matrix with row 1 = [dg/dx , dh/dx] and row 2 = [dg/dy, dh/dy].

So Jf(x,y) = (dg/dx)(dh/dy) - (dg/dy)(dh/dx).

But what do I do in the matrix case? I know g(X) can be seen as a vector with functions as entries but does this help?

Y = AX = g(X) = (g1(X),g2(X),...,gn(X))

Thanks!
 
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If you mean that A is a constant matrix, then the Jacobian is just the determinant 0f A.
 
I agree with HallsofIvy:

It don't think it matters to have a matrix, I do consider it as a vector of R^n as you do Legendre. Then I write the matrix of Jacobi of this function and find A; so it's jacobian is the determinant of A.
 
Thanks guys. I wrote Ax, for a constant martix A, as a linear combination of its columns, then deduce that each of the gi(X) is a linear combination of the entries in the ith row of A. Then the jacobian is the determinant of A transposed, which is equal to the determinant of A!
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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