The set of all $n$-square matrices with trace $0$ is a subspace of the set of all $n$-square matrices. Is there a standard notation and/or name for this subspace?
Matrices of Trace $0$
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1 Answers
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Yes. These matrices are called "traceless" or "tracefree", and the subspace comprised of them is called $\mathfrak{sl}_n$, the special linear Lie algebra. This term is used because the traceless matrices form the Lie algebra associated with the special linear Lie group $SL_n$ consisting of all $n$-by-$n$ matrices with determinant $1$.
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0Thanks; I don't know much about Lie algebras, but do you just mean that by consequences of the definitions of Lie group and Lie algebra that it turns out that $\mathfrak{sl}_n$ is a Lie algebra of the lie group $\mathsf{SL}_n$? That's interesting... – 2012-05-13