Product of Two Levi-Civita Symbols in N-dimensions

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SUMMARY

The product of two Levi-Civita symbols in N-dimensions is expressed as ε_{i_1 ... i_n} ε^{j_1 ... j_n} = n! δ^{j_1}_{[i_1} ... δ^{j_n}_{i_n]}, where i_1, ..., i_n and j_1, ..., j_n are indices ranging from 1 to n. This expression holds true without dummy indices and demonstrates the antisymmetric properties of the Levi-Civita symbols. The discussion clarifies that there is no Einstein summation convention applied in this context, and the Levi-Civita symbols behave as tensors under coordinate transformations.

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This discussion is beneficial for mathematicians, physicists, and students studying advanced topics in linear algebra and tensor analysis, particularly those interested in the applications of Levi-Civita symbols in theoretical physics.

akoohpaee
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Dear You,

In N-dimensions Levi-Civita symbol is defined as:

\begin{align}
\varepsilon_{ijkl\dots}=
\begin{cases}
+1 & \mbox{if }(i,j,k,l,\dots) \mbox{ is an even permutation of } (1,2,3,4,\dots) \\
-1 & \mbox{if }(i,j,k,l,\dots) \mbox{ is an odd permutation of } (1,2,3,4,\dots) \\
0 & \mbox{otherwise}
\end{cases}
\end{align}



I found the following expression for the product of two Levi-Civita symbols when there are no dummy indices (i_1,...,i_n,j_1,...,j_n are in {1,...,n}):

\begin{align}& \varepsilon_{i_1 \dots i_n} \varepsilon^{j_1 \dots j_n} = n! \delta^{j_1}_{[ i_1} \dots \delta^{j_n}_{i_n ]} &&\\& \end{align}

But I could not find its proof through literature and also I was failed to prove it!

Can you please help me? Thanks!

Best Regards,
Ali
 
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When N=2 we have for example \varepsilon_{12}=+1. Now, you didn't define \varepsilon^{12} for us. Also, is there some Einstein summation convention in effect here?
 
Firstly, notice that the RHS is antisymmetric in exchange of any pair of the i's and any pair of the j's. So all you have to check is that you get the right answer for i_1=1, i_2=2, \ldots and the same for the j's, which is straightforward.
 
### REPLY TO g_edgar ###

Hi,

Many thanks for your reply!

Assume that the array K_{ijk} (i,j,k are in {1,2,3}) is defined in such a way that K_{ijk}=\varepsilon_{ijk}. It can be shown that, this array behave as a tensor under covariant and contravariant coordinate transformations. In other words:

\begin{align}
\varepsilon_{ijk}=\varepsilon^{ijk}
\end{align}

Also this is the case for N-dimensional:

\begin{align}
\varepsilon_{ijklm\dots}=\varepsilon^{ijklm\dots}
\end{align}

And regarding to the second part of your question: There is no Einstein summation notation in effect here. In fact there is no summation in this statement.

Many thanks for your reply and your attention.

Ali
 

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