forked from kscience/kmath
71 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
71 lines
3.2 KiB
Markdown
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# Algebra and algebra elements
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The mathematical operations in `kmath` are generally separated from mathematical objects.
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This means that in order to perform an operation, say `+`, one needs two objects of a type `T` and
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and algebra context which defines appropriate operation, say `Space<T>`. Next one needs to run actual operation
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in the context:
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```kotlin
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val a: T
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val b: T
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val space: Space<T>
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val c = space.run{a + b}
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```
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From the first glance, this distinction seems to be a needless complication, but in fact one needs
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to remember that in mathematics, one could define different operations on the same objects. For example,
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one could use different types of geometry for vectors.
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## Algebra hierarchy
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Mathematical contexts have the following hierarchy:
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**Space** <- **Ring** <- **Field**
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All classes follow abstract mathematical constructs.
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[Space](http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Space.html) defines `zero` element, addition operation and multiplication by constant,
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[Ring](http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Ring.html) adds multiplication and unit `one` element,
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[Field](http://mathworld.wolfram.com/Field.html) adds division operation.
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Typical case of `Field` is the `RealField` which works on doubles. And typical case of `Space` is a `VectorSpace`.
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In some cases algebra context could hold additional operation like `exp` or `sin`, in this case it inherits appropriate
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interface. Also a context could have an operation which produces an element outside of its context. For example
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`Matrix` `dot` operation produces a matrix with new dimensions which could not be compatible with initial matrix in
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terms of linear operations.
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## Algebra element
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In order to achieve more familiar behavior (where you apply operations directly to mathematica objects), without involving contexts
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`kmath` introduces special type objects called `MathElement`. A `MathElement` is basically some object coupled to
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a mathematical context. For example `Complex` is the pair of real numbers representing real and imaginary parts,
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but it also holds reference to the `ComplexField` singleton which allows to perform direct operations on `Complex`
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numbers without explicit involving the context like:
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```kotlin
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val c1 = Complex(1.0, 1.0)
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val c2 = Complex(1.0, -1.0)
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val c3 = c1 + c2 + 3.0.toComplex()
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//or with field notation:
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val c4 = ComplexField.run{c1 + i - 2.0}
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```
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Both notations have their pros and cons.
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The hierarchy for algebra elements follows the hierarchy for the corresponding algebra.
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**MathElement** <- **SpaceElement** <- **RingElement** <- **FieldElement**
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**MathElement** is the generic common ancestor of the class with context.
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One important distinction between algebra elements and algebra contexts is that algebra element has three type parameters:
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1. The type of elements, field operates on.
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2. The self-type of the element returned from operation (must be algebra element).
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3. The type of the algebra over first type-parameter.
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The middle type is needed in case algebra members do not store context. For example, it is not possible to add
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a context to regular `Double`. The element performs automatic conversions from context types and back.
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One should used context operations in all important places. The performance of element operations is not guaranteed.
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