Trace of a product of gamma matrices

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on proving the equality between two traces of products of gamma matrices involving a random 4x4 matrix A. The main equation under consideration is Tr(γ^μ(1_4 - γ^5)A(1_4 - γ^5)γ^ν) = 2Tr(γ^μA(1_4 - γ^5)γ^ν). The proof utilizes the properties of the trace, particularly its invariance under cyclic permutations and the anticommutativity of the gamma matrices. A successful approach involves simplifying terms by moving γ^5 to different positions within the trace. The conversation concludes with acknowledgment of helpful hints that facilitated the proof process.
BVM
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Homework Statement


A proof of equality between two traces of products of gamma matrices.

Tr(\gamma^\mu (1_4-\gamma^5) A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu) = 2Tr(\gamma^\mu A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu)

Where no special property of A is given, so we must assume it is just a random 4x4 matrix.
1_4 represents the 4x4 unity matrix.

Homework Equations


\gamma^5 := i\gamma^0 \gamma^1 \gamma^2 \gamma^3
The usual product and trace identities as found here.

The Attempt at a Solution


I have been able to prove that
Tr(\gamma^\mu (1_4-\gamma^5) A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu) = Tr(\gamma^\mu A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu) + Tr(\gamma^5 \gamma^\mu A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu)
using the definition of the trace and the anticommutativity of the \gamma^\mu and \gamma^5.
 
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BVM said:
I have been able to prove that
Tr(\gamma^\mu (1_4-\gamma^5) A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu) = Tr(\gamma^\mu A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu) + Tr(\gamma^5 \gamma^\mu A (1_4-\gamma^5) \gamma^\nu)
using the definition of the trace and the anticommutativity of the \gamma^\mu and \gamma^5.

For your last term, try using the fact that the trace is invariant under any cyclic permutation of the matrices inside the trace. So, you can move the γ5 on the left to the far right. Then simplify (14 - γ5) γ##^\nu## γ5.
 
TSny said:
For your last term, try using the fact that the trace is invariant under any cyclic permutation of the matrices inside the trace. So, you can move the γ5 on the left to the far right. Then simplify (14 - γ5) γ##^\nu## γ5.

Got it! That hint really helped. Thanks.
 
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