Chapter 9: Problem 9
Use hand calculations to find the characteristic polynomial and eigenvalues for each of the matrices. \(A=\left(\begin{array}{lll}1 & 2 & 3 \\ 0 & 0 & 2 \\ 0 & 3 & 1\end{array}\right)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Eigenvalues: \( \lambda = 1, 1.5 \pm 1.936i \).
Step by step solution
01
Define the Characteristic Polynomial
The characteristic polynomial of a matrix \( A \) is determined using the formula \( \text{det}(A - \lambda I) \), where \( \lambda \) is a scalar and \( I \) is the identity matrix of the same size as \( A \). For the matrix \( A = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 2 & 3 \ 0 & 0 & 2 \ 0 & 3 & 1 \end{pmatrix} \), calculate \( A - \lambda I \):\[ A - \lambda I = \begin{pmatrix} 1-\lambda & 2 & 3 \ 0 & -\lambda & 2 \ 0 & 3 & 1-\lambda \end{pmatrix} \]
02
Compute the Determinant
To find the characteristic polynomial, compute the determinant of \( A - \lambda I \):\[ \text{det}(A - \lambda I) = \begin{vmatrix} 1-\lambda & 2 & 3 \ 0 & -\lambda & 2 \ 0 & 3 & 1-\lambda \end{vmatrix} \]Using the determinant formula for a 3x3 matrix:\[ = (1-\lambda) \left( (-\lambda)(1-\lambda) - 6 \right) \]\[ = (1-\lambda)(\lambda^2 - \lambda - 6) \]
03
Expand the Polynomial
Expand the polynomial obtained from the determinant calculation:\[ (1-\lambda)(\lambda^2 - \lambda - 6) = (1 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - \lambda - 6) \]Distribute the term \((1-\lambda)\):\[ = (1)(\lambda^2 - \lambda - 6) - \lambda(\lambda^2 - \lambda - 6) \]\[ = \lambda^2 - \lambda - 6 - (\lambda^3 - \lambda^2 - 6\lambda) \]\[ = -\lambda^3 + 2\lambda^2 + 5\lambda - 6 \]This is the characteristic polynomial.
04
Find the Eigenvalues
To find the eigenvalues, solve the characteristic equation \(-\lambda^3 + 2\lambda^2 + 5\lambda - 6 = 0\). Factoring the polynomial can be complex, so consider testing rational roots and possible factorization. Try \( \lambda = 1 \):\[ -(1)^3 + 2(1)^2 + 5(1) - 6 = -1 + 2 + 5 - 6 = 0 \]Thus, \( \lambda = 1 \) is a root. Using synthetic division or polynomial division, factor the polynomial:\[ (\lambda - 1)(-\lambda^2 + 3\lambda - 6) = 0 \]Solve \(-\lambda^2 + 3\lambda - 6 = 0\) using the quadratic formula for the remaining roots:\[ \lambda = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a} = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{3^2 - 4(-1)(-6)}}{2(-1)} \]\[ \lambda = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{9 - 24}}{-2} \]\[ \lambda = \frac{-3 \pm \sqrt{-15}}{-2} \]Since the discriminant is negative, these roots are complex.
05
Summarize the Eigenvalues
The real eigenvalue is \( \lambda = 1 \), and the complex eigenvalues stem from the roots of \( -\lambda^2 + 3\lambda - 6 = 0 \), which are \( 1.5 \pm 1.936i \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Eigenvalues
Eigenvalues are special numbers associated with a matrix. They represent the scalar values that satisfy the equation \( A\mathbf{v} = \lambda\mathbf{v} \), where \( A \) is the matrix, \( \lambda \) are the eigenvalues, and \( \mathbf{v} \) is a non-zero vector known as an eigenvector. In simpler terms, when you multiply a matrix by one of its eigenvectors, the vector does not change direction, and it's simply scaled by the eigenvalue.
- They are crucial in understanding the properties of transformations described by the matrix.
- Eigenvalues can tell us a lot about a matrix, such as if it can be inverted, or how it transforms objects in vector space.
Determinant of a Matrix
The determinant of a matrix is a scalar value that can be calculated from its elements. It is a crucial value that provides important information about the matrix.
- The determinant helps in finding the inverse of a matrix. If the determinant is zero, the matrix is non-invertible.
- It plays a vital role in calculating the characteristic polynomial, which in turn is essential for determining eigenvalues.
Polynomial Factorization
Polynomial factorization is the process of breaking down a polynomial into simpler polynomials that multiply together to give the original polynomial. It is a vital step when solving the characteristic polynomial to find eigenvalues.
- Factorization can sometimes be straightforward, especially if we have roots that are simple to determine.
- Trial and error, synthetic division, and grouping are often used to factor polynomials when the roots are not immediately apparent.
Quadratic Formula
The quadratic formula is a powerful tool for solving quadratic equations of the form \( ax^2 + bx + c = 0 \). It is used when factorization or simple inspection doesn't readily solve the polynomial. The formula is given by:\[x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\]
- This formula provides both real and complex roots, depending on the value of the discriminant \( b^2 - 4ac \).
- If the discriminant is positive, the roots are real and distinct; if zero, they are real and identical; and if negative, the roots are complex.