Proving AI_n = A in Linear Algebra Class: Understanding the Final Step

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equation AI_n = A in the context of linear algebra, specifically focusing on the properties of matrix multiplication and the Kronecker delta function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the steps involved in the proof, particularly the transition from the summation involving the Kronecker delta to the final expression. Questions arise regarding the specific terms in the summation and the implications of matrix multiplication.

Discussion Status

Some participants seek clarification on the reasoning behind specific steps in the proof, while others provide explanations regarding the manipulation of terms and the properties of the Kronecker delta. There appears to be a productive exchange of ideas, with at least one participant expressing understanding after the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the depth of exploration into the underlying concepts. The original poster also references a separate proof for BI_n, indicating a broader context of study.

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I'm trying to prove AI_n = A for my linear algebra class:

## A = (a_{st}) ##
where ## 1 \leq s \leq m ## and ## 1 \leq t \leq n ##

then ## (AI_n)_{sk} = \displaystyle\sum_{t=1}^n a_{st}(I_n)_{tk} = \displaystyle\sum_{t=1}^n a_{st}\delta_{tk} ##

we know that most of ## \delta_{tk} = 0 ## from the definition,

therefore

##\displaystyle\sum_{t=1}^n a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \displaystyle\sum_{t\not=k} a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}(1) + 0 = a_{sk} ##
I don't understand the final bit of the proof, we start with defining A = a_{st}, and we end up with a_{sk}, how is this equivalent?
 
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phospho said:
##\displaystyle\sum_{t=1}^n a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \displaystyle\sum_{t\not=k} a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}(1) + 0 = a_{sk} ##
I don't understand the final bit of the proof, we start with defining A = a_{st}, and we end up with a_{sk}, how is this equivalent?
Which part don't you understand?
  1. ##\sum_t a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk}##
  2. ##a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}(1) + 0##
  3. ##a_{sk}(1) + 0 = a_{sk}##
 
D H said:
Which part don't you understand?
  1. ##\sum_t a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk}##
  2. ##a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}(1) + 0##
  3. ##a_{sk}(1) + 0 = a_{sk}##

the second one, i.e. how you get from 1. to ##a_{sk}\delta_{kk} ## how does the t change to a k? for a and delta, am I righ tin thinking it's because of the deifnition of matrix multiplication?
 
The first step is just taking one specific term out of the sum, the term for which t=k. This results in ##\sum_t a_{st}\delta_{tk} = a_{sk}\delta_{kk} + \sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk}##.

The second step merely replaces the value of the Kronecker delta with its value. The value of ##\delta_{kk}## in first term, ##a_{sk}\delta_{kk}##, is just one. The second term is the sum ##\sum_{t\ne k} a_{st}\delta_{tk}##, and here ##\delta_{tk}## is identically zero since ##\delta_{tk}=0## for all t ≠ k.
 
anyone?
 

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