The minimal number of generators of a matrix algebra (Q1972724)

Let \(A\) be an algebra of \(n\times n\) complex matrices (the operations being multiplication and linear combinations over \(\mathbb{C}\)). It is shown that \(A\) can always be generated by \([n^2/4]+1\) elements, and examples show that the minimum number of generators can be any integer from \(1\) to \([n^2/4]+1\). If \(A\) satisfies a certain ``genericity'' condition concerning its structure when represented as triangular matrices then \(A\) can be generated by two elements. An example which does not satisfy this genericity condition (and which can not be generated by two elements) is the algebra of \(4\times 4\) upper triangular matrices with all diagonal entries equal.