2. If A has n linearly independent eigenvectors, it is diagonalizable and similar to matrix D
Assume A has n linearly independent eigenvectors, which we denote as v_1, v_2, ..., v_n. These eigenvectors form the columns of an invertible matrix P. For each eigenvector v_i, we have Av_i = λ_iv_i, where λ_i is the eigenvalue corresponding to v_i.
Now, let's consider the matrix product AP. The i-th column of AP will be Av_i = λ_iv_i. Therefore, AP = [λ_1v_1, λ_2v_2, ..., λ_nv_n].
On the other hand, let's form the diagonal matrix D with λ_i's on its diagonal elements, i.e., D = diag(λ_1, λ_2,..., λ_n). When we multiply PD, the i-th column of PD is λ_iv_i, and the result is the same as before: PD = [λ_1v_1, λ_2v_2, ..., λ_nv_n].
Since both AP and PD give the same result, we have AP = PD. Multiplying both sides by P^(-1) on the right, we get A = PDP^(-1). This shows that A is diagonalizable, and it is similar to the diagonal matrix D, with its eigenvalues on the diagonal.
In conclusion, an n x n matrix A is diagonalizable if and only if it has n linearly independent eigenvectors, and in this case, A is similar to a diagonal matrix D with its eigenvalues on the diagonal.