What Are the Axioms and Identities for Two-Dimensional Lie Algebras?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the axioms and identities of two-dimensional Lie algebras, particularly focusing on the nonabelian case. Participants explore how to prove that the Lie bracket defined by [x, y] = x satisfies the axioms of Lie algebras, including the antisymmetry property and the Jacobi identity. The conversation includes theoretical considerations and examples related to the structure and properties of such algebras.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how to prove that the bracket [x, y] = x satisfies the axioms of Lie algebras, specifically [a, a] = 0 and the Jacobi identity.
  • Another participant notes the anti-commuting property of the commutator, suggesting exploration of cases where y = x.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of deriving general formulas for brackets rather than focusing on specific cases.
  • One participant provides a general formula for the bracket of two vectors and claims it can be used to prove the necessary properties of Lie algebras.
  • Another participant explains how antisymmetry leads to the conclusion that [a, a] = 0 and discusses the implications of the Jacobi identity under various conditions.
  • Several participants express a desire for concrete examples of two-dimensional nonabelian Lie algebras, particularly outside of field contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the properties that need to be satisfied by the Lie algebra structure but express differing views on the implications of the Jacobi identity and the specifics of examples. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the provision of concrete examples of nonabelian Lie algebras.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the dependence on specific definitions of the Lie bracket and the unresolved nature of examples provided. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the best way to illustrate the concepts with non-field examples.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and researchers interested in the foundational aspects of Lie algebras, particularly those exploring two-dimensional structures and their properties in theoretical contexts.

valtz
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I read in mark wildon book "introduction to lie algebras"
"Let F be any field. Up to isomorphism there is a unique two-dimensional nonabelian
Lie algebra over F. This Lie algebra has a basis {x, y} such that its Lie
bracket is described by [x, y] = x"

and I'm curious,

How can i proof with this bracket [x,y] = x, satisfies axioms of Lie algebra such that
[a,a] = 0 for $a \in L$
and satisfies jacoby identity

cause we only know about bracket of basis vector for L
 
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Note that the commutator is anti-commuting, that [x,y] = - [y,x]
What happens when y = x?

As to the Jacobi identity, try it with two of the variables equal. See how much constraint the Jacobi identity will make on a 2-generator algebra.
 
lpetrich said:
Note that the commutator is anti-commuting, that [x,y] = - [y,x]
What happens when y = x?

As to the Jacobi identity, try it with two of the variables equal. See how much constraint the Jacobi identity will make on a 2-generator algebra.

can u give me some example for two dimensional lie algebra?
 
valtz, the important thing here is working out such things in general, rather than for some specific case. That way, you'll know what's always true without having to go into the details of specific cases.
 
Basically, you need to fill in the details. Brackets are supposed to be bilinear, anticommutative and satisfy [a,a]=0. So given what you wrote you should be able to derive the following general formula for the bracket of two vectors:
[ax+by, cx+dy]=ac[x,x]+ad[x,y]+bc[y,x]+bd[y,y] = (ad-bc)x
Using that general formula, you should be able to prove that [a,a]=0 for all a, and that the Jacoby identity holds.

Here is "real" example of such a 2 dim Lie algebra. Consider smooth functions defined on the real line and let L be the set of linear, first order, differential operators generated by
d/dx and x(d/dx). Notice that their commutator is d/dx.
 
Actually, one can derive [a,a] = 0 from antisymmetry.

If [b,a] = - [a,b], then [a,b] + [b,a] = 0
By setting b = a, we get 2[a,a] = 0
yielding [a,a] = 0

Turning to the Jacobi identity, it is
[a,[b,c]] + [b,[c,a]] + [c,[a,b]]= 0

For a = b = c, it's 3[a,[a,a]] = 0
For b = c, it's [a,[b,b]] + [b,[b,a]] + [b,[a,b]] = - [b,[a,b]] + [b,[a,b]] = 0

Thus, the Jacobi identity provides no additional constraints in these cases. However, it will if a,b,c are distinct.

In my earlier posts, I was giving hints in the hope that valtz would then work out the derivations using them.
 
lpetrich said:
valtz, the important thing here is working out such things in general, rather than for some specific case. That way, you'll know what's always true without having to go into the details of specific cases.

Vargo said:
Basically, you need to fill in the details. Brackets are supposed to be bilinear, anticommutative and satisfy [a,a]=0. So given what you wrote you should be able to derive the following general formula for the bracket of two vectors:
[ax+by, cx+dy]=ac[x,x]+ad[x,y]+bc[y,x]+bd[y,y] = (ad-bc)x
Using that general formula, you should be able to prove that [a,a]=0 for all a, and that the Jacoby identity holds.

Here is "real" example of such a 2 dim Lie algebra. Consider smooth functions defined on the real line and let L be the set of linear, first order, differential operators generated by
d/dx and x(d/dx). Notice that their commutator is d/dx.

lpetrich said:
Actually, one can derive [a,a] = 0 from antisymmetry.

If [b,a] = - [a,b], then [a,b] + [b,a] = 0
By setting b = a, we get 2[a,a] = 0
yielding [a,a] = 0

Turning to the Jacobi identity, it is
[a,[b,c]] + [b,[c,a]] + [c,[a,b]]= 0

For a = b = c, it's 3[a,[a,a]] = 0
For b = c, it's [a,[b,b]] + [b,[b,a]] + [b,[a,b]] = - [b,[a,b]] + [b,[a,b]] = 0

Thus, the Jacobi identity provides no additional constraints in these cases. However, it will if a,b,c are distinct.

In my earlier posts, I was giving hints in the hope that valtz would then work out the derivations using them.

thanks for your answer , i understand now about two dimensional lie algebra


but can u give "real(not field)" example two dimensional non abelian lie algebra , from what vector space to what? and lie bracket define in there...
thanks guys

my essay is about lie algebra, sorry if I'm a little new in a lie algebra

thanks all for your help and answer
 

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