# Linear Algebra/Tensor Algebra: Symmetry of a (1,1) tensor.

1. Oct 21, 2011

### B L

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Let M be a differentiable manifold, $p \in M$.
Suppose $A \in T_{1,p}^1(M)$ is symmetric with respect to its indices (i.e. $A^i_j = A^j_i$) with respect to every basis.
Show that $A^i_j = \lambda \delta^i_j$, where $\lambda \in \mathbb{R}$.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
I've tried various ways of using the change of basis formula to arrive at the desired result, but I can't make it work. I imagine I need to use something else that I'm not thinking of.

Last edited: Oct 21, 2011
2. Oct 21, 2011

### Dick

Do you know that a symmetric real matrix has a complete set of orthogonal eigenvectors? That means A is diagonal in some basis. Now can you show if A is diagonal in some basis with unequal diagonal elements, then it is not symmetric in some basis? Construct that basis from the original diagonal basis. It would be quite enough to do this for a 2x2 matrix.

3. Oct 22, 2011

### B L

I don't think we're supposed to use eigenvectors, but I'll give that a shot, thanks!

Any other ideas? I'm way too stumped given how seemingly simple this thing is (especially compared to the rest of the assignment).