Chapter 4:algebraic sets, polynomials, and other functions

Abstract

Let T be a linear operator on the vector space V ofn×n matrices over a field F. We discuss two types of problems in this chapter. First, what can we say about T if we assume that T maps a given algebraic set such as the special linear group into itself? Second, let p(x) be a polynomial function (such as det) on V into F. What can we say about T if Tpreserves p(x), i.e. p(T(X)) = p(X) for all X in V?