Undergrad Stupid Question about a Notation in Linear algebra

Click For Summary
The discussion clarifies that the "X" symbol in linear algebra denotes the Cartesian product, which represents the set of all pairs (u,v) with elements u, v in a vector space V. Participants emphasize the importance of understanding notation in mathematics, noting that different authors may define symbols differently. A recommendation for a book that explains linear algebra using set notation is shared, highlighting its appendix on symbols. The conversation also touches on the commonality of these symbols in basic set theory and algebra. Overall, the discussion underscores the need for clarity in mathematical notation and resources for learning.
smodak
Messages
457
Reaction score
249
I know the arrow -> means a map.

For example,
1613f48b6e25817f7df33fa935d2c918.png
defines a linear map. But I cannot figure out what does a X mean?

94842b9bc828789f99f1ff660295844b.png


I know that above denote a inner product map. whatever is on the left of the : is defined by whatever is on the right. but what is the x symbol? What is the correct way to read it? Is there a basic book that can tell me more about these symbols?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
smodak said:
I know the arrow -> means a map.

For example,
1613f48b6e25817f7df33fa935d2c918.png
defines a linear map. But I cannot figure out what does a X mean?

94842b9bc828789f99f1ff660295844b.png


I know that above denote a inner product map. whatever is on the left of the : is defined by whatever is on the right. but what is the x symbol? What is the correct way to read it? Is there a basic book that can tell me more about these symbols?
It describes the set of all pairs ##(u,v)## with elements ##u,v \in V##. It is called cartesian product.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartesian_product
 
  • Like
Likes smodak
I guess it denotes a bil
fresh_42 said:
It describes the set of all pairs ##(u,v)## with elements ##u,v \in V##. It is called cartesian product.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cartesian_product

Ah-Ha! I am a software engineer. I know what a cartesian product is (use it all the time in SQL). I had no idea that's what it meant :) Thanks a lot.

Which branch of math is this? I know basic linear algebra and basic set theory but never used such symbols as I showed above. Is there any suitable book for this?
 
smodak said:
I guess it denotes a bilAh-Ha! I am a software engineer. I know what a cartesian product is (use it all the time in SQL). I had no idea that's what it meant :) Thanks a lot.

Which branch of math is this? I know basic linear algebra and basic set theory but never used such symbols as I showed above. Is there any suitable book for this?
It's so common and often used that I never thought about it. Every introduction to basic set theory or algebra should contain it. Sometimes (e.g. set theory) it is also abbreviated by ##V^2## but in the case of vector spaces where ##V^2## usually denotes the sum of vector spaces this might lead to misunderstandings. This example shows that one has to be careful and look how single authors define their notation. However, the cross defines always the set of pairs, as ∩ defines an intersection and ∪ a union. For a quick reference you can look it up in Wiki and ask us if you need the name of a symbol.
There are probably pdf for free which contain an overview of symbols.
 
  • Like
Likes suremarc and smodak

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
852
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K