190 Symmetric Array

A matrix whose entries are unchanged when rows and columns are swapped that is used to represent a metric matrix.

definition [d] (Symmetric Array = Symmetric Matrix) A square array of components \(A_{ij}\) equal to its transpose:

  • \(A_{ij} = A_{ji}\) .

where

  • \(A = (A_{ij})\) is an \(n \times n\) array with entries in \(\mathbb{R}\).
  • \(A_{ij}\) is the entry in row \(i\) and column \(j\).
  • \(i, j\) are indices labeling the rows and columns of \(A\).

Note:

  • \(i, j\) run over \(1,\ldots,n\).
  • in spacetime, \(i, j\) run over \(0,\ldots,n-1\).
  • symmetry cuts the number of independent entries from \(n^{2}\) to \(n(n+1)/2\).

definition [d] (Symmetric Array = Metrical Matrix) The square, symmetric array of metric components in a coordinate basis:

  • \(g_{ij}(x) = \left\langle \partial_{i},\, \partial_{j} \right\rangle\) ,
  • \(g_{ij} = g_{ji}\) .

where

  • \(g_{ij}\) are the components of the metric tensor.
  • \(\partial_{i} = \partial / \partial x^{i}\) are the coordinate basis vectors.
  • \(\langle \cdot,\, \cdot \rangle\) is the metric bilinear form.
  • \(x\) are local coordinates.

Note:

  • the entries \(g_{ij}(x)\) are differentiable functions of the coordinates.
  • also called the metrical matrix.
  • also called the matrix of the first fundamental form.

190.1 Elementary Example

190.1.1 Simple

A symmetric array equals its transpose: \(A_{ij} = A_{ji}\).

\[ A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 1 & 3 \end{pmatrix} \]

\[ A_{12} = A_{21} = 1 \]

where

  • \(A\) is the symmetric matrix.
  • \(A_{ij}\) is the entry in row \(i\) and column \(j\).

190.1.2 General

A symmetric \(3 \times 3\) metric-style array has six independent entries.

\[ A = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 & 0 \\ 1 & 3 & 4 \\ 0 & 4 & 5 \end{pmatrix} \]

\[ A_{ij} = A_{ji} \]

where

  • symmetry cuts the number of independent entries from \(9\) to \(6\).