Abstract
The study of operator theory, specifically the determination of the norm of general derivations in C* algebras, has attracted significant attention in recent years. This problem has been approached through various methods across different spaces, yielding several results. The norm of a general derivation is crucial for understanding the structure and behavior of derivations in the context of C* algebras, with implications for functional analysis and operator theory. Despite previous efforts, a complete understanding remains elusive. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this problem using the finite rank operator in the tensor product of C*-algebras. By leveraging the tensor product structure, we explore how finite rank operators can provide insights into the norm of general derivations. The research utilizes a mathematical framework that examines the behavior of bounded linear operators within the tensor product of Hilbert spaces and C*-algebras. Through this approach, we aim to advance existing knowledge and offer new results that could potentially contribute to the field. The final conclusion of the study confirms that the use of finite rank operators in the tensor product of C*-algebras offers a valuable method for approximating and understanding the norm of general derivations, providing a more refined approach than previous techniques.
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Published in
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Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal (Volume 15, Issue 1)
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DOI
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10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
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Page(s)
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6-10 |
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Creative Commons
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This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
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Copyright
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Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group
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Keywords
General Derivation Operator, Finite Rank Operator, Tensor Product of C*-Algebra
1. Introduction
1.1. C* Algebras and Their Tensor Product Structure in Hilbert Spaces
Definition 1.1.1. Tensor product. Daniel
et al., | [6] | Daniel, B., Musundi, S., and Ndungu, K. (2022). An application of maximal numerical range on norm of basic elementary operator in tensor product. Journal of Progressive Research in Mathematics, 19(1): 73–81. |
[6] and Muiruri
et al.,
| [10] | Muiruri, P., King'ang'i, D., & Musundi, S. (2019). On the Norm of Basic Elementary Operator in a Tensor Product. |
[10] Consider two complex Hilbert spaces, 𝑍 = {
,
…} and 𝐿 = {
,
… } with inner products defined as
and
respectively. A tensor product of 𝑍 and 𝐿 is a Hilbert space 𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿 where ⊗: 𝑍 × 𝐿 → 𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿,⊗ (𝑢, 𝑣) → 𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣 is a bilinear mapping: The vectors 𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣 form a total subset of 𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿 < 𝑢1 ⊗ 𝑣1, 𝑢2 ⊗ 𝑣2 >=<
> <
,
>, ∀
,
∈ 𝑍, 𝑣1, 𝑣2 ∈ 𝐿. This implies that
=
∀ 𝑢 ∈ 𝑍, 𝑣 ∈ 𝐿.If 𝐸 ∈ 𝐵(𝑍), 𝐹 ∈ 𝐵(𝐿), then 𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿) is a Hilbert space and for 𝐸 ⊗ 𝐹 ∈ 𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿) we have 𝐸 ⊗ 𝐹(𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣) = 𝐸𝑢 ⊗ 𝐹𝑣

𝑢 ∈ 𝑍, 𝑣 ∈ 𝐿.
Fundamental Properties of Operators in 𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿) hold:
1) i).(𝐸 ⊗ 𝐹)(𝐺 ⊗ 𝐻) = 𝐸𝐺 ⊗ 𝐹𝐻, ∀ 𝐸 ∈ 𝐵(𝑍), 𝐺 ∈ 𝐵(𝑍) and 𝐹 ∈ 𝐵(𝐿), 𝐻 ∈ 𝐵(𝐿).(Associativity and commutativity).
2) ii). = ∀ 𝐸 ∈ 𝐵(𝑍) and 𝐹 ∈ 𝐵(𝐿) (Distributivity under tensor product).
3) iii). Linearity of the Tensor Product Map ⊗ (𝑢, 𝑣) → 𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣 and its Properties:
a) (+ ) ⊗ 𝑣 = ( ⊗ 𝑣) + ( ⊗ 𝑣)
b) (𝜓𝑢) ⊗ 𝑣 = 𝜓(𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣).
c) 𝑢 ⊗ ( + ) = 𝑢 ⊗ + 𝑢 ⊗
d) 𝑢 ⊗ (𝜓𝑣) = 𝜓(𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣).
The set of all vectors ⊗ (𝑢, 𝑣), 𝑢𝜖𝑍 and 𝑣𝜖𝐿 form a total subset of 𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿.
Definition 1.1.2. Elementary operator in a tensor product. Daniel et al., | [5] | Daniel, B. K., Wabomba, M. S., and Ndungu, K. J. (2023). An application of maximal numerical range on norm of an elementary operator of length two in tensor product. International Journal Of Mathematics And Computer Research, 11(11): 3837–3842. |
[5] and King’ang’I et al., Let and be complex Hilbert spaces, and denote the set of all bounded linear operators on the tensor product space . For fixed elements and in where and we define the elementary operator as follows:
(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿) =(𝐸𝑖 ⊗ 𝐹𝑖)(𝑈 ⊗ 𝑉)(𝐺𝑖 ⊗ 𝐻𝑖)
for every 𝑈 ⊗ 𝑉𝜖𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿), 𝐸𝑖 ⊗ 𝐹𝑖, 𝐺𝑖 ⊗ 𝐻𝑖 𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿).
Substituting we obtain the basic elementary operator:
𝐸(𝑍⊗𝐿) = (𝐸⊗𝐹)(𝑈⊗𝑉)(𝐺⊗𝐻)(1)
From equation (
1), the basic elementary operator can be expressed as,
.
Definition 1.1.3: General Derivation. Nyamwala and Agure, | [11] | Nyamwala, F. and Agure, J. (2008). Norms of elementary operators in banach algebras. Int. Journal of Math. Analysis, 2(9): 411–424. |
[11] and Okelo and Ambongo, | [12] | Okelo, N., A. J. and Ambongo, D. (2010). norm of elementary operator and characterization of norm-attained operators. int. Journal of Math. Analysis, 4(11971204). |
[12] The general derivation operator is defined by
where and are coefficient operators in
1.2. Norm of General Derivation
Stampfli
| [14] | Stampfli, J. (1970). The norm of a derivation. Pacific journal of mathematics, 33(3), 737-747. |
[14]
and Timoney
determined the
in a Banach algebra
by maximal numerical range and proved theorem 1.2.1:
Theorem 1.2.1. Stampfli | [14] | Stampfli, J. (1970). The norm of a derivation. Pacific journal of mathematics, 33(3), 737-747. |
[14] and Timoney , Let A, B ∈ B(H), the algebra of all bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space H. Then
= sup {: X ∈ B(H),}
Let A be an irreducible C∗-algebra on H. Let A ∈ B(A). Then
Nyamwala and Agure
| [11] | Nyamwala, F. and Agure, J. (2008). Norms of elementary operators in banach algebras. Int. Journal of Math. Analysis, 2(9): 411–424. |
[11]
and Society
| [13] | Society, L. M. (1926). Journal of the London Mathematical Society, volume 1. London Mathematical Society. |
[13]
determined the converse of Stampfli
| [14] | Stampfli, J. (1970). The norm of a derivation. Pacific journal of mathematics, 33(3), 737-747. |
[14]
, results, and established that the inner derivation derived from hyponormal operators has its range closed whenever the spectrum of the operator is defined.
Kittaneh
| [8] | Kittaneh, F. (1995). Normal derivations in norm ideals. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, 123(6): 1779–1785. https://doi.org/10.2307/2160991 |
[8]
extended the work of Stampfli
| [14] | Stampfli, J. (1970). The norm of a derivation. Pacific journal of mathematics, 33(3), 737-747. |
[14]
in norm ideals and determined the range and kernel of a normal derivation restricted to unitary invariant norms.
Barraa and Pedersen
| [2] | Barraa, M. and Pedersen, S. (1999). On the product of two generalized derivations. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, pages 2679–2683.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/119569 |
[2]
determined the conditions necessary for the product
of 2 general derivations to satisfy the conditions of a derivation and proved theorem 1.2.2:
Theorem 1.2.2. Barraa and Pedersen
| [2] | Barraa, M. and Pedersen, S. (1999). On the product of two generalized derivations. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, pages 2679–2683.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/119569 |
[2]
.
Let A, B, C, and D be bounded operators on a Banach space .
1) If and , then is a generalized derivation if and only iff for some scalars , and
2) If A ∈ and B , then is a generalized derivation if and only if C ∈ .
3) If A and B ∈ , then is a generalized derivation if and only if D ∈ .
4) If and , then is a generalized derivation.
Barraa
and Barraa and Pedersen
| [2] | Barraa, M. and Pedersen, S. (1999). On the product of two generalized derivations. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, pages 2679–2683.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/119569 |
[2]
determined the norm of the sum of two bounded operators on a Hilbert space and provided sufficient conditions under which the norm equals the sum of their norms
Muhol
et al.
| [9] | Muholo, J., Bonyo, J., and Agure, J. (2019). Norm properties of generalized derivations on norm ideals. |
[9]
determined the norm of a general derivation acting on a norm ideal and proved Theorem 1.2.3.
Theorem 1.2.3. Muhol
et al.,
| [9] | Muholo, J., Bonyo, J., and Agure, J. (2019). Norm properties of generalized derivations on norm ideals. |
[9] Let be S-universal operators and let be a norm ideal in . Then
Bonyo and Agure
| [4] | Bonyo, J. and Agure, J. (2011). Norms of derivations implemented by s-universal operators. |
[4]
determined the norms of derivations implemented by S-universal operators. Bonyo and Agure
| [4] | Bonyo, J. and Agure, J. (2011). Norms of derivations implemented by s-universal operators. |
[4]
focused on understanding the behavior of derivations within norm ideals, particularly the conditions under which these derivations can be analyzed using S-universal operators. Their work contributes to the broader field of operator theory by providing insights into the relationship between derivations and norm ideals, helping to establish criteria for when these derivations attain their norms.
Beatrice
et al.
determined the norm of a general derivation on an infinite-dimensional complex Hilbert space H using finite rank one operators and proved Theorem 1.2.4.
Theorem 1.2.4. Beatrice
et al.
,
Let and δA, B: Then
Further, Beatrice
et al.
showed that this equality holds using Stampfli’s maximal numerical range and proved Theorem 1.2.5.
Theorem 1.2.5. Beatrice
et al.,
,
Let and
Then
2. Main Results
Norm of General Derivation on a Tensor Product of C∗-Algebras
Let
be the tensor product of Hilbert spaces
and
and
be the set of bounded linear operators on
. Then, for
with

, we have:
Proof
By definition,
= sup {: X ⊗ Y ∈ B(H ⊗ K),
Therefore,

||
|| = sup {
(X ⊗ Y)

: X ⊗ Y ∈ B(H ⊗ K), ||X ⊗ Y || = 1}
Taking an arbitrary ϵ > 0, we have
||
|| − ϵ
(X ⊗ Y)
for
and
for
and

−ϵ

(A⊗B)(X⊗Y)− (X⊗Y)(C⊗D)
Since
and letting , then we have

|

≤

A

B

+

C

D
(2) Conversely, let there exist a unit vector where and , then we have

(X ⊗ Y)(e ⊗ f)

≤
(X ⊗ Y)

e

f
given that and are unit operators and vectors, respectively, and then

||||X ⊗ Y

e ⊗ f

=
Thus,
≥

{ (A ⊗ B)(X ⊗ Y) − (X ⊗ Y)(C ⊗ D)}(e ⊗ f)
By tensor product property, (A ⊗ B)(X ⊗ Y) = AX ⊗ BY we have
=

(AX ⊗ BY)(e ⊗ f) − (X ⊗ Y)(C ⊗ D)(e ⊗ f)
=

AXe ⊗ BY f − CXe ⊗ DY f
since

e ⊗ f

= 1
therefore,
Squaring both sides, we get
By properties of the tensor product, ⟨⊗ , ⊗ ⟩ = ⟨, ⟩⟨, ⟩ ∀ ∈ H
and ∀ ∈ K we have;
.(4)
If and are functionals. For unit vectors y ∈ H and z ∈ K, define rank one operators:
Observe that:
Thus,
Similarly, using the same concept above, the norm of is
Moreover,
since are unit vectors thus
Thus
Using the same concept from equation (
5), we have Now,
hence
since
but are positive real numbers, therefore
Therefore,
, and
Hence, , Similarly,
Thus,
(9)
Substituting equations (
5), (
6), (
7), (
8), (
9), and (
10) in (
4), we have
Taking the square roots of both sides, we get:
(11)
Therefore, from (
2) and (
11)
3. Conclusion
From the study, it can be concluded that using a finite rank operator, the Norm of general derivation in the tensor product of C*Algebras is
Abbreviations
C* algebras | C-star Algebras |
| Hilbert Space |
| Bounded Linear Operators on a Hilbert Space H |
| Bounded Linear Operators on the Tensor Product of Hilbert Spaces Z and L |
| General Derivation Between Two Operators A and B |
| A Class of Operators Used in Norm Ideals |
| Norm Notation |
| Identity Operator |
| Norm Ideal in B(H) |
| Tensor Product of Operators X and Y |
| Arbitrary Small Positive Number (Epsilon) |
| Scalar Value |
| Real Numbers |
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
References
| [1] |
Barraa, M. (2002). Convexoid and generalized derivations. Linear algebra and its applications, 350(1-3): 289–292.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0024-3795(02)00311-7
|
| [2] |
Barraa, M. and Pedersen, S. (1999). On the product of two generalized derivations. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, pages 2679–2683.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/119569
|
| [3] |
Beatrice, O. A., Agure, J., and Nyamwala, F. (2019). On the norm of a generalized derivation.
https://doi.org/10.12988/pms.2019.9810
|
| [4] |
Bonyo, J. and Agure, J. (2011). Norms of derivations implemented by s-universal operators.
|
| [5] |
Daniel, B. K., Wabomba, M. S., and Ndungu, K. J. (2023). An application of maximal numerical range on norm of an elementary operator of length two in tensor product. International Journal Of Mathematics And Computer Research, 11(11): 3837–3842.
|
| [6] |
Daniel, B., Musundi, S., and Ndungu, K. (2022). An application of maximal numerical range on norm of basic elementary operator in tensor product. Journal of Progressive Research in Mathematics, 19(1): 73–81.
|
| [7] |
King’ang’i, D. N., Agure, J. O., and Nyamwala, F. O. (2014). On the norm of elementary operator.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/apm.2014.47041
|
| [8] |
Kittaneh, F. (1995). Normal derivations in norm ideals. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, 123(6): 1779–1785.
https://doi.org/10.2307/2160991
|
| [9] |
Muholo, J., Bonyo, J., and Agure, J. (2019). Norm properties of generalized derivations on norm ideals.
|
| [10] |
Muiruri, P., King'ang'i, D., & Musundi, S. (2019). On the Norm of Basic Elementary Operator in a Tensor Product.
|
| [11] |
Nyamwala, F. and Agure, J. (2008). Norms of elementary operators in banach algebras. Int. Journal of Math. Analysis, 2(9): 411–424.
|
| [12] |
Okelo, N., A. J. and Ambongo, D. (2010). norm of elementary operator and characterization of norm-attained operators. int. Journal of Math. Analysis, 4(11971204).
|
| [13] |
Society, L. M. (1926). Journal of the London Mathematical Society, volume 1. London Mathematical Society.
|
| [14] |
Stampfli, J. (1970). The norm of a derivation. Pacific journal of mathematics, 33(3), 737-747.
|
| [15] |
Timoney, R. M. (2007). Some formulae for norms of elementary operators. Journal of Operator Theory, pages 121–145.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/24715761
|
Cite This Article
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APA Style
Daniel, B. K., Ndungu, K. J., Kayiita, Z. K. (2026). Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of
C*-Algebras. Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal, 15(1), 6-10. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
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Daniel, B. K.; Ndungu, K. J.; Kayiita, Z. K. Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of
C*-Algebras. Pure Appl. Math. J. 2026, 15(1), 6-10. doi: 10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
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Daniel BK, Ndungu KJ, Kayiita ZK. Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of
C*-Algebras. Pure Appl Math J. 2026;15(1):6-10. doi: 10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
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@article{10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12,
author = {Benjamin Kimeu Daniel and Kinyanjui Jeremiah Ndungu and Zachary Kaunda Kayiita},
title = {Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of
C*-Algebras},
journal = {Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal},
volume = {15},
number = {1},
pages = {6-10},
doi = {10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12},
url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12},
eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.pamj.20261501.12},
abstract = {The study of operator theory, specifically the determination of the norm of general derivations in C* algebras, has attracted significant attention in recent years. This problem has been approached through various methods across different spaces, yielding several results. The norm of a general derivation is crucial for understanding the structure and behavior of derivations in the context of C* algebras, with implications for functional analysis and operator theory. Despite previous efforts, a complete understanding remains elusive. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this problem using the finite rank operator in the tensor product of C*-algebras. By leveraging the tensor product structure, we explore how finite rank operators can provide insights into the norm of general derivations. The research utilizes a mathematical framework that examines the behavior of bounded linear operators within the tensor product of Hilbert spaces and C*-algebras. Through this approach, we aim to advance existing knowledge and offer new results that could potentially contribute to the field. The final conclusion of the study confirms that the use of finite rank operators in the tensor product of C*-algebras offers a valuable method for approximating and understanding the norm of general derivations, providing a more refined approach than previous techniques.},
year = {2026}
}
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of
C*-Algebras
AU - Benjamin Kimeu Daniel
AU - Kinyanjui Jeremiah Ndungu
AU - Zachary Kaunda Kayiita
Y1 - 2026/02/26
PY - 2026
N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
DO - 10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
T2 - Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal
JF - Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal
JO - Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal
SP - 6
EP - 10
PB - Science Publishing Group
SN - 2326-9812
UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
AB - The study of operator theory, specifically the determination of the norm of general derivations in C* algebras, has attracted significant attention in recent years. This problem has been approached through various methods across different spaces, yielding several results. The norm of a general derivation is crucial for understanding the structure and behavior of derivations in the context of C* algebras, with implications for functional analysis and operator theory. Despite previous efforts, a complete understanding remains elusive. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this problem using the finite rank operator in the tensor product of C*-algebras. By leveraging the tensor product structure, we explore how finite rank operators can provide insights into the norm of general derivations. The research utilizes a mathematical framework that examines the behavior of bounded linear operators within the tensor product of Hilbert spaces and C*-algebras. Through this approach, we aim to advance existing knowledge and offer new results that could potentially contribute to the field. The final conclusion of the study confirms that the use of finite rank operators in the tensor product of C*-algebras offers a valuable method for approximating and understanding the norm of general derivations, providing a more refined approach than previous techniques.
VL - 15
IS - 1
ER -
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