# Statistical mechanics problem

## Homework Statement:

Prove that Tr(αA+βB) = αTr(A)+βTr(B). α and β are complex constants, and A and B are dXd matrices

## Relevant Equations:

Tr(αA+βB) = αTr(A)+βTr(B)
First, i'd like to apologize for the vague title. Unfortunately my understanding of the question is equally vague. I think the dXd matrix is meant to be a covariance matrix, so the above equation would be some complex constant multiplied by the covariance matrix. The Tr would referring to the trace of the matrix or sum of diagonal elements. So i'm attempting to show that the "trace of the sum A+B" is equal to "trace A + trace B".

Here's my main problem. I have never heard of a covarience matrix before. If someone could show me a simple example of what a covarience matrix is then I should be able to figure out the additive, multiplicative, etc... rules of these matrices.

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TeethWhitener
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Homework Statement: Prove that Tr(αA+βB) = αTr(A)+βTr(B). α and β are complex constants, and A and B are dXd matrices
Homework Equations: Tr(αA+βB) = αTr(A)+βTr(B)

I think the dXd matrix is meant to be a covariance matrix,
The statement to be proven is true for all square matrices, not just covariance matrices. Try writing a general expression for the trace of a matrix.

Send BoBs
The statement to be proven is true for all square matrices, not just covariance matrices. Try writing a general expression for the trace of a matrix.
Thank you. Clearly i'm just getting confused by new terms and not giving this a proper thought. I should probably take some time to get more familiar with the notation used for statistical mechanics.

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