What does V^G mean in linear algebra?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the notation V^G in the context of linear algebra, specifically regarding its meaning when V is a vector space and G is a group. Participants explore the implications of this notation in relation to group actions and invariant elements.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for clarification on the notation V^G, noting its appearance in a specific context related to linear algebraic groups.
  • Another participant suggests that the notation typically denotes the set of functions from a group to a vector space, but questions its applicability in this context since a representation is a map from G to GL(V).
  • A different participant explains that when a group G acts on a set X (in this case, V), V^G refers to the set of invariant elements in V, which are fixed by all elements of G. They also mention that if G acts linearly on V, it similarly acts on V^*.
  • A later reply critiques an AI-generated summary for incorrectly equating V^G with V^*, asserting that this leads to false statements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the notation V^G, with some proposing definitions while others challenge these interpretations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding a consensus on the meaning of V^G.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of group actions and invariant elements, as well as the specific context in which V^G is used. The relationship between V^G and V^* is also contested.

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Hi. Newbee question. What does the notation V^G mean where V is a vector space and G is a group? I found it in: A linear algebraic group G is called linearly reductive if for every rational representation V and every v in V^G \ {0}, there exists a linear invariant function f in (V^*)^G such that f(v)<>0. I can't find a definition of the notation using google. Thanks.
Hi. Newbee question. What does the notation V^G mean where V is a vector space and G is a group? I found it in: A linear algebraic group G is called linearly reductive if for every rational representation V and every v in V^G \ {0}, there exists a linear invariant function f in (V^*)^G such that f(v)<>0. I can't find a definition of the notation using google. Thanks.
 
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Normally for sets ##X## and ##Y##, ##X^Y## is the set of functions from ##Y## to ##X##. In a context like this, it's often meant to be limited to functions of the desired type, e.g. only representations.

That doesn't really make sense here, since a representation is a map ##G\to GL(V)##, not a map from ##G## to ##V##.
 
When a group ##G## acts on a set ##X## (in your case ##V##), sometimes one writes ##X^G## for the set of invariant elements, that is, the elements of ##X## that are fixed by all group elements. Note that if ##G## acts linearly on ##V##, then it also does on ##V^*##, so it makes sense to write ##(V^*)^G## in your example.
 
Last edited:
The AI summary explanation that ends this thread, visible only when not logged in, incorrectly equates V^G with V ^*, and hence virtually every statement in it is false.
 

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