What is the Unique Linear Functional in $M_n(\Bbb F)$ Satisfying Two Conditions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the existence of a unique linear functional \( T : M_n(\Bbb F) \to \Bbb F \) that satisfies two specific conditions: \( T(I_n) = n \) and \( T(XY) = T(YX) \) for all matrices \( X, Y \in M_n(\Bbb F) \). The problem remains unanswered in the forum, indicating a need for further exploration of linear functionals in matrix algebra. The discussion invites readers to consider the implications of these conditions on the structure of linear functionals in the context of matrix spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear functionals in vector spaces
  • Familiarity with matrix algebra, specifically \( M_n(\Bbb F) \)
  • Knowledge of the identity matrix \( I_n \)
  • Concept of commutativity in matrix multiplication
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of linear functionals in finite-dimensional vector spaces
  • Explore the role of the identity matrix in linear transformations
  • Study the implications of commutativity in matrix operations
  • Investigate unique functionals and their applications in functional analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of linear algebra, and researchers interested in functional analysis and matrix theory will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $\Bbb F$ be a field. Prove that there is a unique linear functional $T : M_n(\Bbb F) \to \Bbb F$ such that

1. $T(I_n) = n$
2. $T(XY) = T(YX)$ for all $X, Y\in M_n(\Bbb F)$

What is the name for $T$?
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Let $T$ be a linear functional on $M_n(\Bbb F)$ satisfying properties $1$ and $2$. For each $I,j\in \{1,2,\ldots, n\}$, let $E_{ij}$ be the $n\times n$ matrix whose $(I,j)$-entry is $1$ and every other entry is zero. Since $E_{ab}E_{cd} = \delta_{bc}E_{ad}$, property 2 and linearity give $\delta_{bc}T(E_{ad}) = \delta_{da} T(E_{cb})$. It follows that $T(E_{ad}) = 0$ whenever $a \neq d$, and $T(E_{aa}) = T(E_{bb})$. Since $T(I_n) = n$, then $n T(E_{11}) = T(E_{11}) + T(E_{22}) + \cdots + T(E_{nn}) = T(I_n) = n$, so that $T(E_{11}) = 1$.

An arbitrary $X\in M_n(\Bbb F)$ admits an expression $X = \sum_{i,j} x_{ij} E_{ij}$ where $x_{ij}\in \Bbb R$. Linearity of $T$ and the latter observations yield $$T(X) = \sum_{i,j} x_{ij}T(E_{ij}) = \sum_i x_{ii} T(E_{ii}) = T(E_{11})\sum_i x_{ii} = T(E_{11}) \operatorname{trace}(X) = \operatorname{trace}(X)$$

Thus $T$ is the trace map, which is uniquely determined.
 

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