Stupid Question about a Notation in Linear algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of mathematical notation in linear algebra, specifically the meaning of the symbol "X" in the context of inner product maps and Cartesian products. Participants explore the implications of these symbols and seek resources for further understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the arrow "->” signifies a linear map but is uncertain about the meaning of "X".
  • Another participant explains that "X" denotes the Cartesian product, describing it as the set of all pairs (u,v) with elements u,v in V.
  • A participant expresses familiarity with the Cartesian product from a software engineering perspective but seeks clarification on the mathematical branch that uses such notation.
  • One participant mentions a book that teaches linear algebra using set notations and includes an appendix on these symbols.
  • Another participant emphasizes the commonality of the notation and suggests that it is typically covered in introductory set theory or algebra texts, while cautioning about potential misunderstandings in vector spaces.
  • Several participants share links to resources, including a Wikipedia page listing mathematical symbols and their explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the interpretation of "X" as denoting the Cartesian product, but there is no consensus on the best resources for understanding these symbols or the specific branch of mathematics they belong to.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential for confusion with other notations, such as V^2, which can denote the sum of vector spaces, indicating the importance of understanding author-specific definitions.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals in mathematics, engineering, or computer science who are encountering mathematical notation in linear algebra and seek clarification on specific symbols and their meanings.

smodak
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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?
 
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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
 
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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.
 
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