Trace identity

Summary

In mathematics, a trace identity is any equation involving the trace of a matrix.

Properties edit

Trace identities are invariant under simultaneous conjugation.

Uses edit

They are frequently used in the invariant theory of   matrices to find the generators and relations of the ring of invariants, and therefore are useful in answering questions similar to that posed by Hilbert's fourteenth problem.

Examples edit

  • The Cayley–Hamilton theorem says that every square matrix satisfies its own characteristic polynomial. This also implies that all square matrices satisfy
     
    where the coefficients   are given by the elementary symmetric polynomials of the eigenvalues of A.
  • All square matrices satisfy
     

See also edit

  • Trace inequality – inequalities involving linear operators on Hilbert spaces

References edit

Rowen, Louis Halle (2008), Graduate Algebra: Noncommutative View, Graduate Studies in Mathematics, vol. 2, American Mathematical Society, p. 412, ISBN 9780821841532.