Graduate Representations of finite groups -- Equivalent representations

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The discussion revolves around the representation of the cyclic group C2 and the confusion regarding the transformation of the representation matrices. The user questions why the transformed matrix does not exhibit second-order properties, as expected from the group representation. It is clarified that while the matrix representation may not appear unitary under the standard inner product, it can still be unitarized with an appropriate inner product. The key takeaway is that the representation is equivalent, but the specific properties depend on the inner product used. Understanding these nuances is crucial for working with finite group representations.
LagrangeEuler
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I am confused. Look for instance cyclic ##C_2## group representation where
D(e)=<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 &amp; 0\\<br /> 0 &amp; 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}
and
D(g)=<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 0 &amp; 1\\<br /> 1 &amp; 0<br /> \end{bmatrix}
and let's take invertible matrix
A=<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 &amp; 2\\<br /> 3 &amp; 4<br /> \end{bmatrix}.
Then
A^{-1}=<br /> \frac{1}{2}\begin{bmatrix}<br /> -4 &amp; 2\\<br /> 3 &amp; -1<br /> \end{bmatrix}
Then
\tilde{D}(g)=A^{-1}\cdot D(g) \cdot A=<br /> \frac{1}{2}\begin{bmatrix}<br /> -4 &amp; 2\\<br /> 3 &amp; -1<br /> \end{bmatrix} \cdot <br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 0 &amp; 1\\<br /> 1 &amp; 0<br /> \end{bmatrix} \cdot <br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 &amp; 2\\<br /> 3 &amp; 4<br /> \end{bmatrix}=<br /> \begin{bmatrix}<br /> -5 &amp; -6\\<br /> 5 &amp; 5<br /> \end{bmatrix}<br />
end that is not second order element, i.e. ##\tilde{D}(g)\cdot \tilde{D}(g)## is not equal to ##I##. Why is that the case if with this transform one should get equivalent representation of group ##C_2##?
 
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It should be
\begin{bmatrix}
-5 & -6\\
4 & 5
\end{bmatrix}
 
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martinbn said:
It should be
\begin{bmatrix}
-5 & -6\\
4 & 5
\end{bmatrix}
Problem is still there. My question is why that element is not of second order, or why I do not get ##C_2## group with similarity transform?
 
LagrangeEuler said:
Problem is still there. My question is why that element is not of second order, or why I do not get ##C_2## group with similarity transform?
It is! Did you try the corrected one?
 
martinbn said:
It is! Did you try the corrected one?
No sorry. Everything is fine.
 
Just one more. I found somewhere that any matrix representation of finite group is unitary. Matrix
##\begin{bmatrix}
-5 & -6\\
4 & 5
\end{bmatrix} ##
however is not unitary.
 
LagrangeEuler said:
Just one more. I found somewhere that any matrix representation of finite group is unitary.
This statement means that it can be unitarized. In other words you can define an inner product such that the representation is unitary with respect to. But it doesn't say that it is unitary with respect to the standard inner product.
 
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