ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tensor algebra

Imagine you have a bunch of LEGO bricks. You can put these bricks together to make different things like cars, airplanes, and houses. Sometimes you need to change the shapes of the bricks or combine them in different ways to achieve your goal.

Now, let's talk about tensors. Tensors are like LEGO bricks in the world of math. They are objects that can be combined to create new objects. Each tensor has a specific number of directions (or "axes"), just like a LEGO brick has a specific number of bumps and pegs. Tensors can be "stacked" on top of each other or "combined" in different ways using mathematical operations like addition, multiplication, and differentiation.

Just like LEGOs can be used to build different things depending on how they are assembled, tensors can be used in different fields of science and engineering depending on how they are combined. For example, tensors are used in physics to describe the properties of space and time, in engineering to model stresses and strains in materials, and in computer science to analyze large datasets.

Overall, tensor algebra is the study of how tensors can be combined and manipulated using mathematical operations to solve problems in different fields. It's like a big box of LEGOs that scientists and engineers can use to build all sorts of cool things!