On the First Fundamental Theorem for $\operatorname{GL}_2(K)$ and $\operatorname{SL}_2(K)$

Abstract

The First Fundamental Theorem of Invariant Theory describes a minimal generating set of the invariant polynomial ring under the action of some group $G$. In this note we give an elementary and direct proof for the $\operatorname{GL}_2(K)$ and $\operatorname{SL}_2(K)$ for any infinite field $K$. Our proof can be generalized to $\operatorname{GL}_m(K)$ and $\operatorname{SL}_m(K)$ for $m>2$. Moreover, we present a family of counter-examples to the statements of the First Fundamental Theorems for all finite fields and $m=2$.