basic similarity question

[td21]

for a matrix similar to itself:
A=SAS^{-1}

A is nonzero and not identity.

So is the matrix S must be identity matrix? Can it be non-identity matrix? Thank you.

[tiny-tim]

hi td21! :smile:

(you need to use {} if there's more than one character after ^ or _ :wink:)

what if A is diagonal? :wink:

[td21]

hi td21! :smile:

(you need to use {} if there's more than one character after ^ or _ :wink:)

what if A is diagonal? :wink:

Thank you very much for answering! Yes, if A is diagonal S can be non-identity!
But what if A is not diagonal? Can S be non-identity?(I believe so, but i cannot give a proof. Is it possible to give a proof?)

Also i believe that in any cases(A being diagonal or not), S has to be diagonal. Is this true?

[micromass]

Hi td21! :smile:

What if

A=\left(\begin{array}{cc} a & b\\ 0 & a\\ \end{array}\right)

and

S=\left(\begin{array}{cc} 1 & 2\\ 0 & 1\\ \end{array}\right)