Semisimple algebra (Killing form)

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This discussion focuses on the application of Lie algebra concepts, specifically the Killing form and Cartan integers, in the context of the A_2 algebra. The user presents a problem involving the generators h_{\alpha}, h_{\beta}, e_{\alpha}, and e_{\beta}, and seeks assistance in calculating the Cartan integers necessary for verifying specific relationships. The user successfully resolves the issue by determining the Cartan integers from the basis, highlighting the importance of understanding the Killing form in Lie algebra studies.

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droblly
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I have started learning Lie algebra and I can't understand one example given in the notes.
Given:
[tex][h_{\alpha},e_{\alpha}] = 2 e_{\alpha}[/tex]
[tex][h_{\alpha},f_{\alpha}] = -2 f_{\alpha}[/tex]
[tex][e_{\alpha},f_{\alpha}] = h_{\alpha}[/tex]

and that
[tex] [x,y] = K(x,y) t_{\alpha} [/tex]
if [tex]\alpha[/tex] is a root and [tex]x \in L_{\alpha}, y \in L_{-\alpha}[/tex]
Now, the example is application of the theorem to [tex]A_2[/tex].
Generators are
[tex]h_{\alpha} = E_{11} -E_{22}[/tex]
[tex]h_{\beta} = E_{22} -E_{33}[/tex]
[tex]e_{\alpha} = E_{12}[/tex]
[tex]e_{\beta} = E_{23}[/tex]
[tex]e_{-\alpha} = E_{21}[/tex]
[tex]e_{-\beta} = E_{32}[/tex]
and positive roots are {[tex]\alpha, \beta, \alpha+\beta[/tex]}.

I am meant to check that
1.[tex]\alpha(h_{\alpha}) = \beta(h_{\beta}) =2[/tex]
2.[tex]\alpha(h_{\beta}) = \beta(h_{\alpha}) =-1[/tex]

I can't do part (2). Part (1) seems simple:
[tex]\alpha(h_{\alpha}) = K(t_{\alpha},h_{\alpha} )= K(t_{\alpha},2\frac{t_{\alpha}}{K(t_{\alpha},t_{\alpha})}) = 2[/tex]
My problem is with finding [tex]t_{\alpha}[/tex] and [tex]t_{\beta}[/tex] to calculate [tex]K(t_{\alpha},t_{\alpha})[/tex]. How would one go about doing it?
Because
[tex]\alpha(h_{\beta}) = K(t_{\alpha},h_{\beta} )= K(t_{\alpha},2\frac{t_{\beta}}{K(t_{\beta},t_{\beta})}) = \frac{2}{K(t_{\beta},t_{\beta})} K(t_{\alpha},t_{\beta})[/tex]
Thanks.

EDIT: I hope I had posted in the right thread. Should I have posted this in HW help?
 
Last edited:
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I have got it. It's just calculating the Cartan integers from the basis.
 

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