Question about theorem 2.2.1 in Wald's General Relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a specific part of theorem 2.2.1 in Wald's General Relativity, particularly focusing on the proof regarding the dimension of the tangent space at a point on an n-dimensional manifold. The inquiry is conceptual, aiming to clarify the reasoning behind a particular mapping in the proof.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about how the term \(\frac{\partial}{\partial x^{\mu}}(f\circ \psi^{-1})\bigg|_{\psi (p)}\) is a mapping from \(\mathfrak{F}\) to \(R\), questioning the equality of mappings involved.
  • Another participant points out that \(f \circ \psi^{-1}(\psi(p)) = f(p)\), suggesting a relationship that may clarify the confusion.
  • A later reply acknowledges the initial confusion as being more straightforward than anticipated, indicating a realization of the underlying concept.
  • Another participant reassures the original poster that such confusion is common when dealing with formal mathematical arguments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be no significant disagreement among participants, as the responses indicate a shared understanding of the underlying concepts once clarified.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential gap in understanding related to the application of the chain rule in the context of manifold theory, but does not resolve the specific mathematical steps involved.

CJ2116
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Hi everyone, first of all I have been a lurker here for years and have benefited greatly from many of the discussions in the math and physics sections. Thanks, I have received a lot of helpful information from these forums!

I have been working through Wald's General Relativity book and I am having trouble following the reasoning behind one part of a theorem. From page 15, the theorem and part of the proof is (For those who don't have the book):

Let M be an n-dimensional manifold. Let p \in M and let V_p denote the tangent space at p. Then dim V_p=n

Proof We shall show that dim V_p=n by constructing a basis of V_p, i.e. by finding n linearly independent tangent vectors that span V_p. Let \psi : O \rightarrow U\subset R^n be a chart with p\in O. If f\in \mathfrak{F}, then by definition f\circ \psi^{-1}:U\rightarrow R is C^{\infty}. For \mu=1,...,n define X_{\mu}:\mathfrak{F}\rightarrow R by
$$X_{\mu}(f)=\frac{\partial}{\partial x^{\mu}}(f\circ \psi^{-1})\bigg|_{\psi (p)}$$
$$\vdots$$

I can't seem to figure out how the term \frac{\partial}{\partial x^{\mu}}(f\circ \psi^{-1})\bigg|_{\psi (p)} is a mapping from \mathfrak{F}\rightarrow R. f\circ \psi^{-1} was defined to be a mapping from U\rightarrow R. In other words, I don't see why these last two terms should be equal. I think I am missing something obvious here. Is there maybe some sort of chain rule argument?

Thanks, any pointer in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!
 
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You have f o \ \psi^{-1}(\psi(p)) = f(p).
 
Last edited:
Wow, that was more embarrassingly obvious than I thought!:blushing:

Thanks for the reply!
 
Don't worry. It is easy to drown in all those formalities ;)
 

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