# A problem on matrices : Sum of elements of skew-matrix

If $A=[a_{ij}]$ is a skew-symmetric matrix, then write the value of $$\sum_i \sum_j a_{ij}$$

My doubt is that what is the meaning of $\sum_i \sum_j ?$ Is it the same as $\sum_{ij}?$
Thank you

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Yes, sum over all pairs $(i.j)$ for $1 \le i \le n$ and $1 \le j \le n$ where $n$ is the dimension of the matrix. –  coffeemath May 24 '13 at 12:16

As for the notaion. It is easier to understand on concrete example. Say $n=3$, then \begin{align} \sum\limits_{i=1}^3\sum\limits_{j=1}^3a_{ij} &=\sum\limits_{i=1}^3(a_{i1}+a_{i2}+a_{i3})\\ &=(a_{11}+a_{12}+a_{13})+(a_{21}+a_{22}+a_{23})+(a_{31}+a_{32}+a_{33})\\ &=(a_{11}+a_{12}+a_{13}+a_{21}+a_{22}+a_{23}+a_{31}+a_{32}+a_{33})\\ &=\sum\limits_{i,j=1}^3 a_{ij} \end{align}
As for the original problem. Elements of the diagonal are zeros (why?). So you need to perform calculations only for nondiagonal entries. Divide them into pairs $a_{ij}+a_{ji}$, recall definition of skew symmetric matrix and conclude...
no that si not what i asked is $\Sigma_i \Sigma_j [aij] = \Sigma_{i j} [aij]$? –  chndn May 24 '13 at 12:23
yes it is $\phantom{}$ –  Norbert May 24 '13 at 12:24