Understanding Einstein Tensor Conventions for Tensor Summation

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the tensor summation expression c_{j}x_{j}+c_{k}y_{k} for n=4, where participants analyze the implications of using two separate indices, j and k. The user initially miscalculates the total number of terms, arriving at a factor of 4, while the correct expression simplifies to c_ix_i+c_iy_i. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding Einstein tensor conventions and the rationale behind using multiple indices in tensor calculus.

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  • Understanding of tensor calculus fundamentals
  • Familiarity with Einstein summation convention
  • Basic knowledge of index notation in mathematics
  • Ability to perform summations over multiple indices
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  • Study the Einstein summation convention in detail
  • Learn about tensor operations and their applications
  • Explore index manipulation techniques in tensor calculus
  • Practice problems involving multiple summation indices
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Students and self-learners in mathematics and physics, particularly those focusing on tensor calculus and its applications in general relativity and differential geometry.

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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