Understanding Einstein Tensor Conventions for Tensor Summation

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the summation of terms involving indices in tensor notation, specifically focusing on the expression c_{j}x_{j}+c_{k}y_{k} for n=4. Participants are examining the implications of using multiple indices and the resulting terms from summation conventions in tensor calculus.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of summation over different indices and question the necessity of using multiple indices when the ranges are the same. There is discussion about whether the original poster's interpretation of the summation is correct compared to the textbook answer.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the reasoning behind using different indices and clarifying the summation process. Some guidance has been offered regarding the conventions of tensor notation, but no consensus has been reached on the original poster's confusion about the factor of 4.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the exercise may be designed to deepen understanding of tensor conventions, and there is acknowledgment of the potential for confusion when multiple indices are involved.

DeShark
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Homework Statement



Write out c_{j}x_{j}+c_{k}y_{k} in full, for n=4.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



So I figure we have to sum over both j and k. So the answer I obtained is:
(c_1x_1+c_1y_1)+(c_1x_1+c_2y_2)+(c_1x_1+c_3y_3)+(c_1x_1+c_4y_4)+
(c_2x_2+c_1y_1)+(c_2x_2+c_2y_2)+(c_2x_2+c_3y_3)+(c_2x_2+c_4y_4)+
(c_3x_3+c_1y_1)+(c_3x_3+c_2y_2)+(c_3x_3+c_3y_3)+(c_3x_3+c_4y_4)+
(c_4x_4+c_1y_1)+(c_4x_4+c_2y_2)+(c_4x_4+c_3y_3)+(c_4x_4+c_4y_4)

i.e. 4(c_1x_1+c_2x_2+c_3x_3+c_4x_4+c_1y_1+c_2y_2+c_3y_3+c_4y_4)

but the book I'm working from just gives the answer:
c_1x_1+c_2x_2+c_3x_3+c_4x_4+c_1y_1+c_2y_2+c_3y_3+c_4y_4

so I'm a factor of 4 out. Am I doing it wrong or is the book.

Surely the answer the book gave can be written

c_ix_i+c_iy_i

Apologies for the noobiness of the question, but I'm trying to self-teach tensor calculus and I want to nail the basics before I progress much further.
 
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there are two different summations, the first with the dummy index j will give 4 possible terms, while the second with the dummy index k will give other 4. So the whole sum will have 4+4 terms.
 
Ah... I guess that makes sense if the indices are over different ranges, e.g. j=1,2,3 k=1,2,3,4. It confused me in this case because why would you use two separate indices when one is perfectly adequate. It seems simpler, more obvious and more elegant to just use the one index, given that n=4 for both. Thank you.
 
Without the summation convention, this would be \sum_{j=0}^4 x_jc_j+ \sum_{k=0}^4 y_kc_k= x_1c_1+ x_2c_2+ x_3c_3+ x_4c_4+ y_1c_1+ y_2c_2+ y_3c_4+ y_4c_4 which has, as dextercioby said.
 
DeShark said:
Ah... I guess that makes sense if the indices are over different ranges, e.g. j=1,2,3 k=1,2,3,4. It confused me in this case because why would you use two separate indices when one is perfectly adequate. It seems simpler, more obvious and more elegant to just use the one index, given that n=4 for both. Thank you.

Yes, using one is simpler, but maybe the point of the exercise is to get you to understand the conventions better, and I think it has now succeeded.
 

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