Linear algebra MOC

Oriented vector space

An oriented vector space (𝑉,𝕂,sgn) is a finite-dimensional vector space (𝑉,𝕂) with a fixed choice of which ordered bases are positively oriented. #m/def/linalg

In terms of oriented bases

Two ordered bases B =(𝐞𝑖)𝑛𝑖=1 and B =(𝐞𝑖)𝑛𝑖=1 of a vector space 𝑉 have the same orientation iff the unique linear automorphism 𝐴 :B B has a positive determinant. This divides the possible bases of 𝑉 into two equivalence classes. An orientation of 𝑉 is thus a choice of which of these equivalence classes is positive and which is negative.

In terms of a top form

tip

There is also a characterization in terms of the exterior algebra.


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