Rank of tensors with size 2 x ... x 2

Abstract

We study an upper bound of ranks of $n$-tensors with size $2\times\cdots\times2$ over the complex and real number field. We characterize a $2\times 2\times 2$ tensor with rank 3 by using the Cayley's hyperdeterminant and some function. Then we see another proof of Brylinski's result that the maximal rank of $2\times2\times2\times2$ complex tensors is 4. We state supporting evidence of the claim that 5 is a typical rank of $2\times2\times2\times2$ real tensors. Recall that Kong and Jiang show that the maximal rank of $2\times2\times2\times2$ real tensors is less than or equal to 5. The maximal rank of $2\times2\times2\times2$ complex (resp. real) tensors gives an upper bound of the maximal rank of $2\times\cdots\times 2$ complex (resp. real) tensors.