Studying Geometric Algebra: Degenerate & Nondegenerate Forms Explained

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on understanding degenerate and nondegenerate forms in geometric algebra, specifically through the lens of symmetric and nonsymmetric bilinear forms as outlined in Artin's book. A degenerate symmetric bilinear form occurs when the associated linear map fails to be injective, while a nondegenerate nonsymmetric bilinear form maintains injectivity. Key references include the Wikipedia articles on degenerate forms and bilinear forms, which provide foundational definitions and examples crucial for grasping these concepts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bilinear forms and their properties
  • Familiarity with symmetric and skew-symmetric forms
  • Basic knowledge of linear algebra concepts
  • Access to Artin's book on geometric algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and properties of degenerate forms in geometric algebra
  • Learn about symmetric and skew-symmetric bilinear forms in detail
  • Explore the decomposition of bilinear forms when char(F) ≠ 2
  • Review examples of degenerate and nondegenerate forms from Artin's book
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in mathematics, particularly those studying geometric algebra, linear algebra, and bilinear forms. This discussion is beneficial for anyone seeking clarity on the distinctions between degenerate and nondegenerate forms.

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I'm trying to study geometric algebra using Artin's book and am having some difficulty with what degenerate symmetric bilinear forms would be like. Does someone know of an example and brief explanation. Also, the opposite being "nondegenerate nonsymmetric bilinear form" would help me out. If I have one explanation, that will probably help me enough though. I apologize, but sometimes I don't get everything in self study. Thanks!
 
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Google is your friend

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degenerate_form

Popped up as the second or third hit

Similarly for non-symmetric bilinear forms

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilinear_form
A bilinear form is symmetric if and only if the maps B1,B2: V -> V* are equal, and skew-symmetric if and only if they are negatives of one another. If char(F) ≠ 2 then one can always decompose a bilinear form into a symmetric and a skew-symmetric part as follows
where you can find the definitions of the Bi earlier in the article
 

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