Where in STEM can I expect to use dual basis, dual map, annihilator?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the application of dual spaces, dual bases, dual maps, and annihilators in STEM fields. These concepts, while abstract, are integral to advanced topics such as differential forms, tensor algebra, quantum mechanics (QM), and general relativity (GR). The relevance of these linear algebra topics extends to differential geometry and computational complexity in bilinear multiplications. Understanding these applications enhances comprehension of their significance beyond finite-dimensional vector spaces.

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  • Familiarity with linear algebra concepts, specifically dual spaces and dual bases.
  • Understanding of differential geometry and tensor algebra.
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
  • Experience with computational complexity in mathematical operations.
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  • Explore the applications of dual spaces in differential forms.
  • Study tensor algebra and its role in physics, particularly in general relativity.
  • Investigate the computational complexity of bilinear multiplications in mathematical contexts.
  • Learn about the correspondence of tangent vectors and derivations in smooth manifolds.
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This discussion is beneficial for mathematics students, physicists, and engineers who seek to deepen their understanding of linear algebra concepts and their applications in advanced scientific fields.

zenterix
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I find the topics of dual space, dual basis, dual map, and annihilator quite abstract.

I understand the proofs in the book I am reading (Linear Algebra Done Right), and I can solve problems. But after a few weeks without doing any linear algebra I forget what these concepts are and the reason is that I haven't seen them in other subjects in the past and I don't see them in any other subject that I am currently studying (thermodynamics, special relativity, differential equations, electromagnetism).

Where in STEM can I expect to see these linear algebra topics used?
 
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Dual spaces and dual bases are used in differential forms, tensors, QM, GR.
 
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In general: differential geometry, tensor algebra, i.e. everywhere in physics. You are right, the concept is mathematically a bit boring if you only consider finite-dimensional vector spaces with an inner product. This changes if you look at the correspondence of tangent vectors and derivations on ##C^\infty (\mathbb{R}^n)##,
$$
v\longleftrightarrow \left(v(f)=\left. \dfrac{d}{dt}\right|_{t=0}f(p+tv)\right)
$$
or investigate the computational complexity of bilinear multiplications,
$$
(x,y) \longmapsto \operatorname{min}\left\{r\, \left| \,x\cdot y =\sum_{\rho=1}^r u_\rho(x)v_\rho(y)W_\rho \right.\right\}
$$
or simply try to understand what a ##(2,1)##-tensor is.
 

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