## Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Let A and B be similar matrices
a)Prove that A and B have the same eigenvalues

2. Relevant equations
None

3. The attempt at a solution
Firstly, i dont see how this can even be possible unless the matrices are exactly the same :S
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 Recognitions: Homework Help Science Advisor So you think that eigenvalues uniquely characterize a matrix? What about 10 01 and 11 01 for example? You've put 'none' for relevant equations. That isn't true - there's a definition of 'similar' and many for 'eigenvalue'. Try it. HINT: polynomials.
 EDIT: Changed "equation" to "polynomial" You have to show that A and B=P^-1AP (for some invertible matrix P) have the same characteristic polynomial.

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## Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Oh, I think that way is much too complicated!

Do it directly from the equation:
If $Av= \lambda v$ then, for any invertible P, $P^{-1}Av= \lambda P^{-1}v$. Now define $u= P^{-1}v$.

 Quote by HallsofIvy Oh, I think that way is much too complicated! Do it directly from the equation: If $Av= \lambda v$ then, for any invertible P, $P^{-1}Av= \lambda P^{-1}v$. Now define $u= P^{-1}v$.
Your way is too easy.
 or let $$Av = \lambda v$$ then $$AP^{-1}Pv = \lambda v$$ and go from there
 what do u mean by the same characteristic equation?

 Quote by Jennifer1990 what do u mean by the same characteristic equation?

EDIT: changed "equation" to "polynomial"

The the characteristic polynomial of matrix A is $$det(A- \lambda I).$$

The characterisitc polynomial of matrix B is $$det(B - \lambda I) = det(PAP^{-1} - \lambda I)$$

so show that $$det(A- \lambda I) = det(PAP^{-1} - \lambda I)$$

But there are easier ways as HallsofIvy noted.

Start with $$Av = \lambda v$$ where v is a nonzero vector

then $$AP^{-1}Pv = \lambda v$$ since $$P^{-1}P = I$$

Do you know what to do next?
 Blog Entries: 1 Recognitions: Gold Member Homework Help Science Advisor A and B are similar if and only if they both represent the same linear map, with respect to two possibly different bases. Eigenvalues are defined independently of what basis, if any, you choose. QED.

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 Quote by Random Variable The the characteristic equation of matrix A is $$det(A- \lambda I).$$
Make that "The characteristic equation of matrix A is $$det(A- \lambda I) = 0.$$"
For it to be an equation, it at least has to have an equals sign.

 Quote by Mark44 Make that "The characteristic equation of matrix A is $$det(A- \lambda I) = 0.$$" For it to be an equation, it at least has to have an equals sign.
Sorry. What I should have said is that they have the same characteristic POLYNOMIAL.
 Av = lambda v (AP^-1 P)v = lambda v Bv = lambda v i think?
 oh wait....B = P^-1 AP .....so what i said is wrong... how can i manipulate A P^-1 P to look like P^-1 AP?
 ohhh i see... since they can have the same eigenvalues, does this mean that the matrices can also have the same eigenvectors?

 Quote by Jennifer1990 ohhh i see... since they can have the same eigenvalues, does this mean that the matrices can also have the same eigenvectors?
They can, but it's not likely.
 I just tried several similar matrices but they all share the same eigenvector O.o Can i get an example where two similar matrices have different eigenvectors?
 Recognitions: Gold Member Science Advisor Staff Emeritus I'm surprised you were able to find similar matrices that had the same eigenvectors! $$A= \begin{bmatrix}2 & 0 \\ 0 & 3\end{bmatrix}$$ has, obviously, 2 and 3 as eigenvalues with corresponding eigenvectors <1 0> and <0 1>. $$B= \begin{bmatrix}1 & -1 \\ 2 & 4\end{bmatrix}$$ has the same eigenvalues with corresponding eigenvectors <1, -1> and <1, -2>. All I did was start with the obvious diagonal matrix, A, choose a simple invertible P: $$P= \begin{bmatrix}2 & 1 \\ 1 & 1\end{bmatrix}$$ and calculate $B= P^{-1}AP$.

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