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Norm of General Derivation on Tensor Product of C*-Algebras

Received: 22 January 2026     Accepted: 4 February 2026     Published: 26 February 2026
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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.

Published in Pure and Applied Mathematics Journal (Volume 15, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.pamj.20261501.12
Page(s) 6-10
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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.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

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., and Muiruri et al.,
Consider two complex Hilbert spaces, 𝑍 = {u1, u2 …} and 𝐿 = {v1, v1 … } with inner products defined as u1, u2 and v1, v2  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 >=< u1, v1 > < u2, v2 >, ∀ u1, u2 ∈ 𝑍, 𝑣1, 𝑣2 ∈ 𝐿. This implies that u  v=uv ∀ 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  F  =EF ∀ 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) (u1+ u2) ⊗ 𝑣 = (u1 ⊗ 𝑣) + (u2 ⊗ 𝑣)
b) (𝜓𝑢) ⊗ 𝑣 = 𝜓(𝑢 ⊗ 𝑣).
c) 𝑢 ⊗ (v1 + v2) = 𝑢 ⊗ v1+ 𝑢 ⊗ v2
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., and King’ang’I et al.,
Let Z and L be complex Hilbert spaces, and B(ZL) denote the set of all bounded linear operators on the tensor product space ZL. For fixed elements EF and GH in B(ZL), where E,GB(Z) and F,HB(L), we define the elementary operator as follows:
En (𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿) = n(𝐸𝑖 ⊗ 𝐹𝑖)(𝑈 ⊗ 𝑉)(𝐺𝑖 ⊗ 𝐻𝑖)
for every 𝑈 ⊗ 𝑉𝜖𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿), 𝐸𝑖 ⊗ 𝐹𝑖, 𝐺𝑖 ⊗ 𝐻𝑖 𝐵(𝑍 ⊗ 𝐿).
Substituting n=1, 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,
E(Z  L) = (E  F)(U  V)(G  H) = (EUG)  (FVH).
Definition 1.1.3: General Derivation. Nyamwala and Agure, and Okelo and Ambongo,
The general derivation operator is defined by
δA,B=AX-XB where A and B are coefficient operators in B(X).
1.2. Norm of General Derivation
Stampfli and Timoney determined the δDin a Banach algebra B(L) by maximal numerical range and proved theorem 1.2.1:
Theorem 1.2.1. Stampfli and Timoney ,
Let A, B ∈ B(H), the algebra of all bounded linear operators on a Hilbert space H. Then
δA,B= sup {AX-XB: X ∈ B(H), X=1}
= infλϵCA-λI+B-λI
Let A be an irreducible C-algebra on H. Let A ∈ B(A). Then
δA=2infλϵCA-λI=2d(A)
Nyamwala and Agure and Society determined the converse of Stampfli , results, and established that the inner derivation derived from hyponormal operators has its range closed whenever the spectrum of the operator is defined.
Kittaneh extended the work of Stampfli in norm ideals and determined the range and kernel of a normal derivation restricted to unitary invariant norms.
Barraa and Pedersen determined the conditions necessary for the product δ(C,D),δ(A,B) of 2 general derivations to satisfy the conditions of a derivation and proved theorem 1.2.2:
Theorem 1.2.2. Barraa and Pedersen .
Let A, B, C, and D be bounded operators on a Banach space T.
1) If A  T and B T, then δC,DδA,B is a generalized derivation if and only iff C = aA + cI and D = -aB + dI for some scalars a, c, and d.
2) If A ∈ T and B  T, then δC,DδA,B is a generalized derivation if and only if C ∈ T.
3) If A T and B ∈ T, then δC,DδA,B is a generalized derivation if and only if D ∈ T.
4) If A  T and B  T, then δC,DδA,B is a generalized derivation.
Barraa and Barraa and Pedersen 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. 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.,
Let A, B  B(H) be S-universal operators and let J be a norm ideal in B(H). Then
δA,B=δA,B,J
Bonyo and Agure determined the norms of derivations implemented by S-universal operators. Bonyo and Agure 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 A, B  B(H) and δA, B: B(H)  B(H). Then
δA,B B(H) =  A  +  B .
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 d(A) =Inf{ A - λI : λ  C}, and d(B) = inf{B - λI : λ  C}.
Then δA,B B(H) =A+B
2. Main Results
Norm of General Derivation δ on a Tensor Product of C-Algebras
Let H  K be the tensor product of Hilbert spaces H and K, and B(H  K) be the set of bounded linear operators on H  K. Then, for X  Y  B(H  K) with X  Y  = 1, we have:
δAC,BD |(B(H  K)  =  A  B  +  C  D 
Proof
By definition,
δ AC,BD=Sup{δAC, BD Y : Y  B K, Y =1
= sup {( B)( Y) - ( Y)( D: X ⊗ Y ∈ B(H ⊗ K),  Y =1
Therefore,
||δAC,BD|| = sup { δAB,CD(X ⊗ Y) : X ⊗ Y ∈ B(H ⊗ K), ||X ⊗ Y || = 1}
Taking an arbitrary ϵ > 0, we have
|| δAB,CD|| − ϵ < δAB,CD(X ⊗ Y)
forall X  B(H), Y  B(K),and
forall X  B(H), Y  B(K),and X  Y  = 1.
δAB,CD −ϵ< (A⊗B)(X⊗Y)− (X⊗Y)(C⊗D)
Since
(A  B)(X  Y) - (X  Y)(C  D)    A  B  +  C  D 
and letting ϵ  0, then we have
δAB,CD| A B + C D (2)
Conversely, let there exist a unit vector e  f where e  H and f  K, then we have
δAB,CD(X ⊗ Y)(e ⊗ f) δAB,CD(X ⊗ Y) e f δAB,CD( Y) ef
given that X, Y, e, and f are unit operators and vectors, respectively, and  X Y  =  X  Y  then
δ AB,CD ||||X ⊗ Y e ⊗ f =  δAB,CD
Thus,
δAB, C δAB, CD (X ⊗ Y)(e ⊗ f)
{ (A ⊗ B)(X ⊗ Y) − (X ⊗ Y)(C ⊗ D)}(e ⊗ f)
By tensor product property, (A ⊗ B)(X ⊗ Y) = AX ⊗ BY we have
AX⊗BY = AX BY (3)
From equation (3), then
= (AX ⊗ BY)(e ⊗ f) − (X ⊗ Y)(C ⊗ D)(e ⊗ f)
= AXe ⊗ BY f − CXe ⊗ DY f
since e ⊗ f = 1
therefore,
δAB,CD     AXe  BY f - CXe  DY f 
Squaring both sides, we get
δ(AB,CD)2AXe  BY f - CXe  DY f2
= AXe  BY f - CXe  DY f, AXe  BY f - CXe  DY f 
= AXe  BY f, AXe  BY f  - AXe  BY f, CXe  DY f  - CXe  DY f, AXe  BY f + CXe  DY f, CXe  DY f 
= AXe  BY f 2 - AXe  BY f, CXe  DY f  - CXe  DY f, AXe  BY f  + CXe  DY f 2.
By properties of the tensor product, ⟨x1y1, x2y2⟩ = ⟨x1, x2⟩⟨y1, y2⟩ ∀ x1,x2 ∈ H
and ∀ y1,y2 ∈ K we have;
δ(AB,CD)2AXe 2BY f 2 - AXe  BY f, CXe  DY f  - CXe  DY f, AXe  BY f  + CXe 2DY f 2.(4)
If µ: H  R and ν: K  R are functionals. For unit vectors y ∈ H and z ∈ K, define rank one operators:
A = µ  y,y  H,y  = 1,by Ae = (µ  y)e = µ(e)y
B = ν  z,z  K,z  = 1,by Bf = (ν  z)f = ν(f)z
Observe that:
A  = sup {  (µ  y)e : e  H}
= sup {  µ(e)y : e  H}
= sup{|µ(e)|  e : e  H
=supµe: e  H
= |µ(e)|
Thus, A  = |µ(e)|: e  H.
Similarly, using the same concept above, the norm of B is
B = |ν(f)|: f  K.
Moreover,
AXe2=(µy)xe2
=µ(e)yxe2
 =µ(e)2xe2
 =µ(e)2
since x, e are unit vectors xe2=1 thus
 µ(e)2=A2
Thus
AXe2=A2 (5)
Using the same concept from equation (5), we have Now,
BY f2=B2(6)
CXe2=C2(7)
Dyf2=D2(8)
Now, from equation (4)
=-Axe  Byf, Cxe  Dyf 
= -Axe  Byf, Cxe  Dyf 
= -Axe, CxeByf, Dyf 
hence
-Axe, Cxe = -(µ  y)eX, (ν  y)eX
= -µ(e)yx, µ(e)yx
= -µ(e)x · µ(e)x.y, ysincey, y=1
= -µ(e)x · µ(e)x
but µ(e) are positive real numbers, therefore
-µ(e)x = |µ(e)| = µ(e)x
Therefore,
-µ(e) = |µ(e)| =  A , and µ(e) = |µ(e)| =  C .
Hence, -Axe, Cxe =  A  C , Similarly, Byf, Dyf  =  B  D .
Thus,
-Axe, CxeByf, Dyf  =  A  B  C  D . (9)
-Cxe  Dyf, Axe  Byf  =- Cxe, AxeDyf, Byf 
=  C  A  D  B .
=  A  B  C  D . (10)
Substituting equations (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) in (4), we have
δ(AB,CD)2A2B2+2ABCD+C2D2
Taking the square roots of both sides, we get:
δ(AB,CD)|(B(H  K) AB+CD(11)
Therefore, from (2) and (11)
δAC,BD |(B(H  K)  =  A  B  +  C  D 
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
δAC,BD |(B(H  K)  =  A  B  +  C  D .
Abbreviations

C* algebras

C-star Algebras

H

Hilbert Space

B(H)

Bounded Linear Operators on a Hilbert Space H

B(ZL)

Bounded Linear Operators on the Tensor Product of Hilbert Spaces Z and L

δA,B

General Derivation Between Two Operators A and B

S-universal operators

A Class of Operators Used in Norm Ideals

.

Norm Notation

I

Identity Operator

J

Norm Ideal in B(H)

xy

Tensor Product of Operators X and Y

Arbitrary Small Positive Number (Epsilon)

λ

Scalar Value

R

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.
[2] Barraa, M. and Pedersen, S. (1999). On the product of two generalized derivations. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, pages 2679–2683.
[3] Beatrice, O. A., Agure, J., and Nyamwala, F. (2019). On the norm of a generalized derivation.
[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.
[8] Kittaneh, F. (1995). Normal derivations in norm ideals. Proceedings of the American Mathematical Society, 123(6): 1779–1785.
[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.
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    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
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    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
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    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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