The discussion clarifies the meaning of "max Q" in the context of matrices, emphasizing that it refers to maximizing a numerical expression over all possible matrices Q that satisfy a specific equation. Participants explain that matrices do not have a maximum or minimum value since they are not ordered. Instead, "max Q" should be interpreted as a notation indicating the maximum value of the expression q_1/||P||, given the constraints of the problem. The conversation concludes with confirmation that the calculation of q_1/(2||P||) can proceed without needing to modify it for the "max Q" notation. Understanding this distinction is crucial for correctly interpreting the mathematical problem at hand.