Eigenvalues of a matrix whose square is zero
$begingroup$
Let $A$ be a nonzero $3 times 3$ matrix such that $A^2=0$. Then what is the number of non-zero eigenvalues of the matrix?
I am unable to figure out the eigenvalues of the above matrix.
P.S.: how would the answer change if it were given that $A^3=0$?
linear-algebra matrices eigenvalues-eigenvectors matrix-equations nilpotence
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Let $A$ be a nonzero $3 times 3$ matrix such that $A^2=0$. Then what is the number of non-zero eigenvalues of the matrix?
I am unable to figure out the eigenvalues of the above matrix.
P.S.: how would the answer change if it were given that $A^3=0$?
linear-algebra matrices eigenvalues-eigenvectors matrix-equations nilpotence
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Let $A$ be a nonzero $3 times 3$ matrix such that $A^2=0$. Then what is the number of non-zero eigenvalues of the matrix?
I am unable to figure out the eigenvalues of the above matrix.
P.S.: how would the answer change if it were given that $A^3=0$?
linear-algebra matrices eigenvalues-eigenvectors matrix-equations nilpotence
$endgroup$
Let $A$ be a nonzero $3 times 3$ matrix such that $A^2=0$. Then what is the number of non-zero eigenvalues of the matrix?
I am unable to figure out the eigenvalues of the above matrix.
P.S.: how would the answer change if it were given that $A^3=0$?
linear-algebra matrices eigenvalues-eigenvectors matrix-equations nilpotence
linear-algebra matrices eigenvalues-eigenvectors matrix-equations nilpotence
edited Feb 5 at 8:37
Rodrigo de Azevedo
13.2k41960
13.2k41960
asked Feb 4 at 20:00
Jor_ElJor_El
696
696
$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05
$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05
$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
A square matrix $A$ is called nilpotent if there is a $p in mathbb{N}$ such that $A^p=0$. So let $A$ be a nilpotent matrix. Then we have by definition of an eigenvalue
$$Av=lambda v,$$
where $lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A$ and $vneq 0$ is an eigenvector of $A$ to the corresponding eigenvalue. Because $A$ is nilpotent we also have
$$0=A^p v=lambda^p v$$
and because $v neq 0$ it follows $lambda^p=0$, i. e. $lambda=0$. So to your question: The number of non zero eigenvalues is in this case $0$.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Clearly, as the characteristic polynomial of the matrix $A$ is $x^n = 0$, and the eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial, there can not be any non-zero eigenvalue.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Another approach is this one:
Since $A^2 = 0$, the polynomial $g(x) = x^2$ annihilates A (and this means that the Linear operator defined by $g(T)$ is the null operator). However, the minimal polynomial of A must divide every polynomial that annihilates $A$, so if $m(x)$ is such polynomial, $m$ must divide $g$.
Hence, $m(x) = x^2$, because $A ≠ 0$.
Thus, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ is $p(x) = x^3$, because $p(x)$ has the same roots of $m(x)$ (why?), and $p(x)$ annihilates $A$ (by Cayley-Hamilton theorem).
In conclusion, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ has only a single root, $0$, and since every eigenvalue of $A$ is a root of it's characteristical polynomial, we have that 0 is the only eigenvalue of $A$.
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
add a comment |
Your Answer
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
A square matrix $A$ is called nilpotent if there is a $p in mathbb{N}$ such that $A^p=0$. So let $A$ be a nilpotent matrix. Then we have by definition of an eigenvalue
$$Av=lambda v,$$
where $lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A$ and $vneq 0$ is an eigenvector of $A$ to the corresponding eigenvalue. Because $A$ is nilpotent we also have
$$0=A^p v=lambda^p v$$
and because $v neq 0$ it follows $lambda^p=0$, i. e. $lambda=0$. So to your question: The number of non zero eigenvalues is in this case $0$.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A square matrix $A$ is called nilpotent if there is a $p in mathbb{N}$ such that $A^p=0$. So let $A$ be a nilpotent matrix. Then we have by definition of an eigenvalue
$$Av=lambda v,$$
where $lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A$ and $vneq 0$ is an eigenvector of $A$ to the corresponding eigenvalue. Because $A$ is nilpotent we also have
$$0=A^p v=lambda^p v$$
and because $v neq 0$ it follows $lambda^p=0$, i. e. $lambda=0$. So to your question: The number of non zero eigenvalues is in this case $0$.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
A square matrix $A$ is called nilpotent if there is a $p in mathbb{N}$ such that $A^p=0$. So let $A$ be a nilpotent matrix. Then we have by definition of an eigenvalue
$$Av=lambda v,$$
where $lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A$ and $vneq 0$ is an eigenvector of $A$ to the corresponding eigenvalue. Because $A$ is nilpotent we also have
$$0=A^p v=lambda^p v$$
and because $v neq 0$ it follows $lambda^p=0$, i. e. $lambda=0$. So to your question: The number of non zero eigenvalues is in this case $0$.
$endgroup$
A square matrix $A$ is called nilpotent if there is a $p in mathbb{N}$ such that $A^p=0$. So let $A$ be a nilpotent matrix. Then we have by definition of an eigenvalue
$$Av=lambda v,$$
where $lambda$ is an eigenvalue of $A$ and $vneq 0$ is an eigenvector of $A$ to the corresponding eigenvalue. Because $A$ is nilpotent we also have
$$0=A^p v=lambda^p v$$
and because $v neq 0$ it follows $lambda^p=0$, i. e. $lambda=0$. So to your question: The number of non zero eigenvalues is in this case $0$.
answered Feb 4 at 20:06
JanJan
605315
605315
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
$begingroup$
So does it mean that a nilpotent matrix has all eigen values equal to 0?
$endgroup$
– Jor_El
Feb 4 at 20:11
1
1
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
@Jor_El Yes - every eigenvalue of a nilpotent matrix is zero.
$endgroup$
– Jan
Feb 4 at 20:13
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
$begingroup$
As an aside, the same argument used when $B^p=I$ shows that the eigen-vectors of $B$ will be $p$-th roots of unity.
$endgroup$
– Michael Anderson
Feb 5 at 1:53
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Clearly, as the characteristic polynomial of the matrix $A$ is $x^n = 0$, and the eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial, there can not be any non-zero eigenvalue.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Clearly, as the characteristic polynomial of the matrix $A$ is $x^n = 0$, and the eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial, there can not be any non-zero eigenvalue.
$endgroup$
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Clearly, as the characteristic polynomial of the matrix $A$ is $x^n = 0$, and the eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial, there can not be any non-zero eigenvalue.
$endgroup$
Clearly, as the characteristic polynomial of the matrix $A$ is $x^n = 0$, and the eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial, there can not be any non-zero eigenvalue.
answered Feb 4 at 20:09
ab123ab123
1,799423
1,799423
add a comment |
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Another approach is this one:
Since $A^2 = 0$, the polynomial $g(x) = x^2$ annihilates A (and this means that the Linear operator defined by $g(T)$ is the null operator). However, the minimal polynomial of A must divide every polynomial that annihilates $A$, so if $m(x)$ is such polynomial, $m$ must divide $g$.
Hence, $m(x) = x^2$, because $A ≠ 0$.
Thus, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ is $p(x) = x^3$, because $p(x)$ has the same roots of $m(x)$ (why?), and $p(x)$ annihilates $A$ (by Cayley-Hamilton theorem).
In conclusion, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ has only a single root, $0$, and since every eigenvalue of $A$ is a root of it's characteristical polynomial, we have that 0 is the only eigenvalue of $A$.
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Another approach is this one:
Since $A^2 = 0$, the polynomial $g(x) = x^2$ annihilates A (and this means that the Linear operator defined by $g(T)$ is the null operator). However, the minimal polynomial of A must divide every polynomial that annihilates $A$, so if $m(x)$ is such polynomial, $m$ must divide $g$.
Hence, $m(x) = x^2$, because $A ≠ 0$.
Thus, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ is $p(x) = x^3$, because $p(x)$ has the same roots of $m(x)$ (why?), and $p(x)$ annihilates $A$ (by Cayley-Hamilton theorem).
In conclusion, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ has only a single root, $0$, and since every eigenvalue of $A$ is a root of it's characteristical polynomial, we have that 0 is the only eigenvalue of $A$.
$endgroup$
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Another approach is this one:
Since $A^2 = 0$, the polynomial $g(x) = x^2$ annihilates A (and this means that the Linear operator defined by $g(T)$ is the null operator). However, the minimal polynomial of A must divide every polynomial that annihilates $A$, so if $m(x)$ is such polynomial, $m$ must divide $g$.
Hence, $m(x) = x^2$, because $A ≠ 0$.
Thus, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ is $p(x) = x^3$, because $p(x)$ has the same roots of $m(x)$ (why?), and $p(x)$ annihilates $A$ (by Cayley-Hamilton theorem).
In conclusion, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ has only a single root, $0$, and since every eigenvalue of $A$ is a root of it's characteristical polynomial, we have that 0 is the only eigenvalue of $A$.
$endgroup$
Another approach is this one:
Since $A^2 = 0$, the polynomial $g(x) = x^2$ annihilates A (and this means that the Linear operator defined by $g(T)$ is the null operator). However, the minimal polynomial of A must divide every polynomial that annihilates $A$, so if $m(x)$ is such polynomial, $m$ must divide $g$.
Hence, $m(x) = x^2$, because $A ≠ 0$.
Thus, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ is $p(x) = x^3$, because $p(x)$ has the same roots of $m(x)$ (why?), and $p(x)$ annihilates $A$ (by Cayley-Hamilton theorem).
In conclusion, the characteristical polynomial of $A$ has only a single root, $0$, and since every eigenvalue of $A$ is a root of it's characteristical polynomial, we have that 0 is the only eigenvalue of $A$.
edited Feb 5 at 8:57
answered Feb 4 at 21:28
Bruno TassoneBruno Tassone
687
687
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
add a comment |
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
2
2
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
One small note, the characteristic polynomial of $A$ would be $x^3$. The degree of the char poly of a matrix is equal to its dimension.
$endgroup$
– Mike Earnest
Feb 4 at 23:39
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
More generally, if some linear operator $B$ has $Bv = lambda v$ with $vne 0$, and $P$ is a polynomial, then it is an easy calculation that $P(B)v = P(lambda)v$. Therefore for any polynomial with $P(B) = 0$, every eigenvalue $lambda$ of $B$ must be a root of $P$.
$endgroup$
– Paul Sinclair
Feb 5 at 0:57
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
$begingroup$
You're right. I'll fix it right away.
$endgroup$
– Bruno Tassone
Feb 5 at 8:56
add a comment |
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$begingroup$
Hint: Eigenvalues are roots of the characteristic polynomial
$endgroup$
– ab123
Feb 4 at 20:05