- #1
Entropia
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does anybody know the origins behind the *name* secular matrix?
i don't understand why a secular matrix would be called... secular.
i don't understand why a secular matrix would be called... secular.
A secular matrix is a mathematical concept used in linear algebra. It refers to a square matrix that does not have any eigenvalues (or characteristic roots) that are complex numbers.
A non-secular matrix, also known as a non-normal matrix, can have complex eigenvalues. This means that it cannot be diagonalized or transformed into a simpler form. In contrast, a secular matrix can be transformed into a simpler form through diagonalization.
Secular matrices are commonly used in quantum mechanics, specifically in the study of energy levels of physical systems. They are also used in control theory and signal processing to analyze and design complex systems.
The term "secular" in secular matrix refers to its mathematical definition of not having complex eigenvalues. It is not directly related to the concept of secularization, which refers to the declining influence of religion in society.
No, secular matrices are a universal mathematical concept and can be applied in various fields of science, including physics, engineering, and economics. They are also used in computer science for data analysis and machine learning algorithms.