Notation in Hoffman and Kunze's Linear Algebra

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the notation used in Hoffman and Kunze's Linear Algebra, specifically the meaning of A(i,j) in the context of matrix entries. Participants are trying to clarify how this notation differs from traditional subscript notation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are exploring the meaning of A(i,j) as it relates to matrix entries, questioning how it differs from A_{i,j} and A(i|j). There is also mention of R(i,j) being used for clarity in another context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing page references and examples from the text to support their inquiries. Some have provided insights into the notation's purpose, suggesting it may be for readability, but no consensus has been reached on its definitive meaning.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the notation appears in specific locations within the 2nd edition of the book, but definitions are lacking in those sections, leading to confusion.

Jolb
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I'm in a class that uses Hoffman and Kunze's Linear Algebra, and I've been assigned a problem where I can't figure out their notation.

The notation is A(i,j). A is a matrix. What does this mean?

It doesn't mean the i,j entry in A [that's A with subscripts i,j] and it's not the matrix A with row i and column j removed [that's A(i|j)].

Could somebody tell me what A(i,j) means?
 
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There's a discussion (eq 2-18 in the version I have) where they use the notation R(i,j) for the ij'th entry of a matrix. I think they did it to make a subscript on an index more readable. If there's still a confusion you might want to explain the context in which they're using that notation and/or a page reference.
 
The book I'm using is 2nd edition.

The problem is on p. 149 and the other place I've spotted it is on p. 142. Neither place has a definition...Edit:

I see your reference (p.56). Thanks for your help!
 
It looks like

[tex]A(j_1,k_1) = A_{j_1k_1}[/tex]

and they decided to use that notation because the double subscripts on the RHS are small and hard to read.
 

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