1
$\begingroup$

In the computational topology literature, the reduction algorithm for computing the Smith normal form of a boundary matrix uses the notation $b_j > 1 \: \text{ and }\: b_j\mid b_{j+1}$ in the context of the diagonal elements of the Smith matrix. Can anyone give me an idea for what it means?

  • 7
    The b_i are integers and | stands for "divides."2010-12-31
  • 0
    Ahhh. Thanks very much. That makes perfect sense. I assume this is standard notation, perhaps in algebra or number theory?2010-12-31
  • 2
    yes, it's standard notation in this context.2010-12-31

1 Answers 1

2

The $b_i$ are integers and $|$ stands for "divides."

-Qiaochu Yuan

Yes, it's standard notation in this context.

-lhf


See also Wikipedia's "List of mathematical symbols" and "Vertical bar."