Orthogonal change of basis preserves symmetry

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that symmetric and antisymmetric matrices remain symmetric and antisymmetric, respectively, under orthogonal coordinate transformations, specifically without reference to components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions of symmetric and antisymmetric matrices and explore the implications of orthogonal transformations. There is an attempt to apply the definitions directly, with some questioning the need for coordinate-independent formulations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the use of definitions and the implications of coordinate transformations. Some guidance has been offered regarding the application of properties of transposes, but there is no consensus on the approach yet.

Contextual Notes

There is a constraint noted regarding the requirement to avoid using indices and Einstein summation, which may limit the methods discussed. Participants are encouraged to stick to definitions in their reasoning.

boyboy400
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Homework Statement



Prove that symmetric and antisymmetric matrices remain symmetric and antisymmetric, respectively, under any orthogonal coordinate transformation (orthogonal change of basis):

Directly using the definitions of symmetric and antisymmetric matrices and using the orthogonal transformation rules without reference to components.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Well If S is symmetric then Sij=Sji
and for any u and v in the R space we have u.Sv=Transpose(S)u.v=Su.v
and S under any change of basis would be S'=QSTranspose[Q]

but I don't know how to go further...I really appreciate if anyone can help me out with this...I just have a few hours left :(
Thank you so much
 
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boyboy400 said:
Well If S is symmetric then Sij=Sji

There is a coordinate-independent formulation of that, in terms of the transpose.

Apply that to S' to show that it is symmetric
 
CompuChip said:
There is a coordinate-independent formulation of that, in terms of the transpose.

Apply that to S' to show that it is symmetric

Thanks for the response but I guess what you refer to requires using indices and Einstein Summation stuff .. I'm only supposed to use the definitions ... Maybe my formula Sij=Sji was misleading or maybe it was not...
Could you be a little more specific please? Does that coordinate independent formula have a particular name or something? I can't figure out what you are referring to ...
 
If Sij is the given matrix, then what is Sji called?
You have already used it in your "attempt at a solution".
 

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