What can the multiplication table tell us about the representation?

In summary, the authors discuss the dihedral group in appendix B of Goldstein's classical mechanics (3rd edition) and note that the group elements in class 3 are independent of certain matrices, as expected from the structure of the multiplication table. They also mention that there is no simple association between classes and representations, meaning that the dihedral groups are semidirect products with non-trivial operation between certain elements.
  • #1
sadness
7
0
In the appendix B of Goldstein's classical mechanics (3rd edition), the authors discussed the dihedral group and said:

"Notice how the group elements in class 3 involve only [tex]\sigma_1[/tex] and [tex]\sigma_3[/tex]. Thus, they are independent of the matrices [tex]I[/tex] and [tex]\sigma_2[/tex], as is expected from the structure of the multiplication table. However, since each representation has an identity element, there is no simple association between classes and representations."

Why does the structure of the multiplication table indicate this independence? And what does the last sentence mean? I've attached the multiplication table and the representations.
 

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  • #2
This is just a clumsy way to say that the Dihedral groups are semidirect products ##\mathbb{Z}_2 \ltimes \mathbb{Z}_n\,.##

Elements of order ##2## do not occur in (the multiplication table of) ##\mathbb{Z}_3 \triangleleft D_3##, and there is no "simple association between classes and representations" means, that the product isn't direct: ## \mathbb{Z}_2## operates non trivially on ##\mathbb{Z}_3##.
 

What is the purpose of the multiplication table?

The multiplication table is a visual representation of the basic arithmetic operation of multiplication. It allows us to quickly and easily calculate the product of two numbers by finding the intersection of the two corresponding factors.

How can the multiplication table help us understand mathematical concepts?

The multiplication table can help us understand the concept of multiplication as repeated addition. The numbers in each row and column represent the same quantity, just in a different arrangement. This can help us visualize and conceptualize the relationship between factors and products.

What patterns can be observed in the multiplication table?

One of the most noticeable patterns in the multiplication table is the diagonal pattern of counting by the same number. Additionally, we can observe patterns in the products based on the factors, such as even and odd numbers or the relationship between prime and composite numbers.

How can the multiplication table be used to improve mental math skills?

By memorizing the multiplication table, individuals can quickly and accurately calculate products without the use of a calculator. This can improve mental math skills and make solving more complex problems easier and more efficient.

How does the multiplication table relate to other mathematical operations?

The multiplication table is closely related to other mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, and division. For example, we can use the multiplication table to find the factors of a product in division problems or use it to simplify and solve complex addition and subtraction equations.

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