What is the rank of the matrix of a reimannienne metric ?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the rank of the matrix associated with a Riemannian metric, exploring its properties and implications in the context of differential geometry. Participants examine the relationship between the rank of the metric tensor and the dimensionality of the manifold, as well as comparisons with other types of metrics, such as Finslerian metrics.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the rank of a Riemannian metric is full, specifically n, due to its positive definite nature as a symmetric bilinear form.
  • Another participant questions whether the rank of the fundamental metric tensor in Finslerian geometry could be n-1.
  • A different participant expresses uncertainty about Finslerian geometry and its implications for the rank of the metric tensor.
  • One participant argues that the fundamental tensor is typically symmetric and positive definite, suggesting it should have rank n, referencing a property called strong convexity.
  • Another participant discusses the implications of positive definiteness on the rank, questioning if it can lead to a rank of n-1.
  • A participant clarifies that positive definiteness on the tangent space minus the zero vector is equivalent to positive definiteness on the entire space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the rank of the Finslerian metric tensor, with some asserting it is n while others suggest it may be n-1. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the rank of the Finslerian metric.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about the properties of Finslerian metrics and the definitions of positive definiteness in different contexts. Some mathematical steps and definitions are not fully explored.

math6
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What is the rank of the matrix of a reimannienne metric ?
 
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It is of full rank: if the manifold is of dimension n, then the rank is n.

This is because a riemannian metric g, when evaluated at a point p of the manifold M, is a positive definite symmetric bilinear form g_p(.,.)on TpM. In particular, its matrix can be diagonalized: there is a basis e_1,...,e_n of T_pM such that g(e_i,e_j) = 0 if i and j are different. Then the rank is equal to the number of nonzero diagonal element. Suppose the ith diagonal element is 0. Then g_p(e_i,e_i) = 0, violating the positive definiteness of g_p.

More generally, a bilinear form has maximal rank iff it is nondegenerate.
 


Therefore the rank of the fundamental metric tensor Finslérienne has rank n-1?
 


I don't know enough about Finslérienne géometry to answer that, sorry.
 


the fundamental tensor g is also a symmetric bilinear form defined poitive USUALLY so it will rank n, I find no reason why it is of rank n-1, is a property called strong convexity
 


the fact that g is positive definite on TM \ {0} can not give a solution to the fact that the rank is (n-1)?
 


For a bilinear form B:V x V --> R, positive definiteness on V-0 or on V is the same thing since positive definiteness is a property that concerns vectors in V-0.
 


oki thnx in all case i will try to found the result :)
 

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