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Does the notation U⊗VU \otimes V denote a space or an element?

The notation U⊗VU \otimes V denotes the entire tensor product space, which is uniquely determined up to isomorphism. In contrast, u⊗vu \otimes v denotes a basic tensor element within that space, generated by applying the bilinear map φ\varphi to vectors u∈Uu \in U and v∈Vv \in V.

Conditions

  • UU and VV are linear spaces over the number field P\mathbb{P}.
  • uu is in UU and vv is in VV.
  • φ\varphi is the bilinear map in the tensor product construction.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify U⊗VU \otimes V as the notation for the unique tensor product space up to isomorphism.
  2. Identify u⊗vu \otimes v as the notation for φ(u,v)\varphi(u,v), an element in the tensor product space.
  3. Distinguish between the space-level notation and the element-level notation.

Example

The video states: 'We denote by U⊗VU \otimes V the unique tensor product (W, φ\varphi) of U and V up to isomorphism.' and 'For any u∈Uu \in U and v∈Vv \in V, φ(u,v)\varphi(u,v) is denoted u⊗vu \otimes v.'

Common misconceptions

  • Seeing the same ⊗\otimes symbol and mistakenly assuming that U⊗VU \otimes V and u⊗vu \otimes v are objects of the same kind.
  • Confusing the tensor product space with a single tensor element.

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Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.