Natural numbers and rank in the tensor semiring #
The natural number r is the class of the diagonal scalar tensor with r
terms. Consequently, comparison with r in the restriction order is exactly
the existence of a rank decomposition with r terms.
Splitting the diagonal index set splits its scalar tensor into two blocks.
A diagonal scalar tensor has its evident decomposition into simple terms.
The diagonal flattening also gives the matching lower bound.
Addition of the diagonal index sets is semiring addition.
Natural numbers in the quotient semiring have their intended tensor meaning.
Exact rank decompositions are precisely restrictions of diagonal tensors.
The restriction order below a natural number is exactly the usual rank bound.
The rank is a natural-number upper bound in the restriction order.
A natural multiple of any nonzero tensor contains any prescribed tensor by restriction.