Understand Summation Notation & Clear Confusion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the correct interpretation of summation notation in the context of matrix operations involving an m*n matrix C and a 1*m row vector \vec{x}. The participant identifies a critical error in the dimensional analysis, noting that the transpose of matrix C, denoted as C^T, is n*m, which conflicts with the dimensions of \vec{x}. The confusion stems from not distinguishing between row and column vectors in matrix multiplication. The discussion also references Einstein's notation for clarity in matrix operations.

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Lucid Dreamer
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I am trying to understand summation notation and there are a few inconsistencies in my head that I would like to clear up.

Suppose C is an m*n matrix and [itex]\vec{x}[/itex] is a 1*m row vector. Then,

[tex]\vec{x}C = \sum_{i} x_{i}C_{ij} = \sum_{i} C_{ij}x_{i} = \sum_{i} {C_{ji}}^Tx_{i} = C^T \vec{x}[/tex]

This is clearly wrong but I'm not sure which operation is wrong. In terms of dimensions it doesn't make sense since [itex]C^T[/itex] is n*m and [itex]\vec{x}[/itex] is 1*m.
 
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The discrepancy arises because this way of defining a matrix and vector does not differentiate between (e.g.) a row vector and a column vector. Have a look at this for a general introduction to Einstein's notation and this for it's implementation in your case. No issues there!
 
Specifically, it is saying that
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}x & y\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}a & b \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}a & c \\ b & d\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x \\ y\end{bmatrix}[/tex]
 

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