Minimal and characteristic polynomial

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the characteristic and minimal polynomials of a specific 3x3 matrix, A. Participants are examining the calculations involved in determining these polynomials and addressing confusion regarding the application of Cayley-Hamilton's theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the characteristic polynomial as det(xI - A) = x^3 - 3x + 2 and expresses confusion when it does not yield the zero matrix when substituting A back into the polynomial.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the calculation, suggesting that the determinant should be calculated as det(xI - A), not det(xI + A).
  • A participant defends their calculation of xI - A, asserting that their matrix representation is correct.
  • Another participant challenges this assertion by providing an alternative calculation of xI - A, indicating a discrepancy in the matrix entries.
  • The original poster acknowledges the mistake with a lighthearted response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the initial calculation of the characteristic polynomial, as there is disagreement on the proper formulation of the matrix xI - A.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved issues regarding the calculations of the determinant and the specific entries of the matrices involved, which may affect the determination of the characteristic and minimal polynomials.

cateater2000
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Find the characteristic and minimal polynomials of
A=[[0,1,1][1,0,1][1,1,0]] (3x3 matrix)

So when I work out my characteristic polynomial I went
det(xI-A)= det[[x,1,1][1,x,1][1,1,x]]
= x(x^2-1)-1(x-1)+1(1-x)
= x^3-3x+2
= (x+2)(x-1)^2
It's odd because I worked this out several times, and by Cayley Hamilton's theorem it says that a characterstic polynomial of a matrix is also an annihilating polynomial for that matrix, and I tried plugging in A to the characteristic polynomial and it didn't give me the 0 matrix.

My prof's answer for the characteristic polynomial is (t-2)(t+1)^2
and her minimal polynomail is (t+1)(t-2)

Which works.

I'm really confused, can someone please tell me what I did wrong.

thanks in advance
 
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Note that it's det(xI - A), not det(xI + A), i.e. this line is wrong:

det(xI-A)= det[[x,1,1][1,x,1][1,1,x]]
 
How is this line wrong ??

A=[[0,1,1][1,0,1][1,1,0]]
xI=[[x,0,0][0,x,0][0,0,x]]


so xI-A=[[x-0,1,1][1,x-0,1][1,1,x-0]]
=[[x,1,1][1,x,1][1,1,x]]


I'm pretty sure this looks ok

Thanks for any help in advance
 
Last edited:
Then look again!

xI- A=[x-0,0-1,0-1][0-1,x-0,0-1][0-1,0-1,x-0]
=[x, -1, -1][-1, x, -1][-1, -1, x].
 
omg lol sorry about that
 

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