Simple Grammar Problem: Is "a" or "the" Ideal in Lie Algebra?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the grammatical choice between "a" and "the" in the context of describing ideals in a Lie algebra, specifically regarding maximal solvable ideals. Participants explore the implications of this choice on the understanding of uniqueness in mathematical definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether "a" or "the" is more appropriate in the phrase describing the maximal solvable ideal, suggesting that "the" might be more fitting due to the nature of ideals being subalgebras of the maximal ideal.
  • Another participant argues that while there is only one maximal solvable ideal, using "a" is more suitable because the uniqueness is established after selecting the maximal solvable ideal.
  • There is a mention of the ideal being referred to as the radical of the Lie algebra, which may appear in related texts.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the logical order of presenting uniqueness in relation to the choice of article.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the pronunciation of "Lie," with a clarification provided that it is pronounced "lee."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether "a" or "the" is more appropriate, indicating a lack of consensus on this grammatical issue. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of this choice.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and the logical order of presenting concepts in mathematical texts, which may affect participants' interpretations of the grammatical choice.

topsquark
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My slight confusion here is probably a simple grammatical problem.

Let h and k be ideals of a Lie algebra g.
Now let h be a maximal solvable ideal (i.e.one enclosed in no larger solvable ideal) of g. If k is any other solvable ideal, then so is h + k, and thus the maximality requirement implies h + k = h and hence [math]k \subseteq h[/math].
My question is about the "a." I'm thinking that it should be "the." Aren't all ideals subalgebras of the maximal ideal?

Also: How do you pronounce "Lie?" Is it "lee" or "lye?"

-Dan
 
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topsquark said:
...Also: How do you pronounce "Lie?" Is it "lee" or "lye?"

-Dan

It is "lee":

https://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Lie_algebra.html
 
Hi,

There is only one maximal solvable ideal, but the "a" fits better than a "the", because the uniqueness is proved after you have choose the maximal solvable ideal. (Sometimes I'm too demanding, huh?(Wondering)).

This ideal is also called the radical of the Lie algebra g (It will probably appear just after this proof if you have read it on a book.)
 
Fallen Angel said:
Hi,

There is only one maximal solvable ideal, but the "a" fits better than a "the", because the uniqueness is proved after you have choose the maximal solvable ideal. (Sometimes I'm too demanding, huh?(Wondering)).

This ideal is also called the radical of the Lie algebra g (It will probably appear just after this proof if you have read it on a book.)
It's a good point. And yes, the text did immediately then show uniqueness. I didn't consider the logical order there since I already knew the maximal solvable ideal was unique.

Thanks!

-Dan
 

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