Algebraic multiplicity of matrix

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    Matrix multiplicity
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of algebraic multiplicity in relation to a 3x3 matrix, specifically focusing on how to determine the algebraic multiplicity of its eigenvalues. Participants also touch upon related topics such as the determinant of a 4x4 matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in finding the algebraic multiplicity of a given 3x3 matrix.
  • Another participant questions whether the original inquiry pertains to the algebraic multiplicity of an eigenvalue, seeking clarification on the definition.
  • A participant provides a specific 3x3 matrix and multiple-choice options for its algebraic multiplicity, expressing confusion about the question.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about how to find the determinant of a 4x4 matrix.
  • A participant suggests that rearranging the given matrix makes the eigenvalues apparent, concluding that the algebraic multiplicity of the eigenvalue 1 is 3.
  • Another participant points out that the term "algebraic multiplicity of a matrix" is not commonly recognized, indicating a possible misunderstanding in terminology.
  • A participant elaborates on the definition of algebraic multiplicity in the context of linear transformations and eigenvalues, emphasizing the importance of understanding the terminology used in linear algebra.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the clarity and definition of algebraic multiplicity, with some asserting that the term is not standard while others attempt to clarify its meaning in the context of eigenvalues. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the terminology and the original question posed.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the clarity of terms used, particularly regarding the definition of algebraic multiplicity as it relates to matrices versus eigenvalues. Some participants express confusion over the original question and its implications.

srinivasanlsn
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hi friends please help in finding out the ans for this . A 3x3 matrix was given , am asked to find algebraic multiplicity of it ! how to find algebraic multiplicity of 3x3 matrix ??
 
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Did you mean the algebraic multiplicity of an eigenvalue??

Well, how did you define it??
 
the algebraic multiplicity of the matrix a=[ 0 1 0 ]
[ 0 0 1 ]
[ 1 -3 3 ]
a.1
b.2
c.3
d.4

i don get the question first, somebody help me...
 
my next question is how to find determinant of 4x4 matrix ??
 
the algebraic multiplicity of the matrix
[ 0 1 0 ]
[ 0 0 1 ]
[ 1 -3 3 ]

options :
a.1
b.2
c.3
d.4

i don get the question first, somebody help me...
 
Again, what is your definition of algebraic multiplicity?
 
First rearrange and the answer is obvious.

[1 -3 3]
[0 1 0]
[0 0 1]

From here the eigenvalues are obviously [1,1,1]. From here the question says what is the algebraic multiplicity. The question was obviously used for simplicity, so you know the multiplicity for the eigenvalue 1 is 3 since it appears in the diagonal 3 times.

Since it is the only one the answer can only be C.
 
We know what the algebraic multiplicity of an eigenvalue is.

The OP's question was about the algebraic multiplicity of a matrix, which is not a term that I have ever seen before (and neither has Google).

Maybe something got "lost in tanslation" here...
 
srinivasanlsn said:
my next question is how to find determinant of 4x4 matrix ??
To find the determinant of a 4x4 matrix, you could use the basic definition- but that's very difficult. Most people use "expansion by minors".
The determinant of
[tex]\left|\begin{array}{cccc}a & b & c & d \\ e & f & g & h \\ i & j & k & l\\ m & n & o & p\end{array}\right|[/tex]
is given by
[tex]a\left|\begin{array}{ccc}f & g & h \\ j & k & l \\ n & o & p\end{array}\right|- b\left|\begin{array}{ccc}e & g & h \\ i & k & l \\ m & o & p\end{array}\right|+ c\left|\begin{array}{ccc}e & f & h \\ i & j & l\\ m & n & p\end{array}\right|- d\left|\begin{array}{ccc}e & f & g \\ i & j & k \\ n & o & p \end{array}\right|[/tex]
 
  • #10
AlephZero & srinivasanlsn,

Remember this post shows that the person asking is answering a multiple choice question, as everyone is aware, which has a common instructor imposed complication written in, which is: as you mentioned a term which has no direct definition but instead must be understood only be really understanding the term multiplicity as it is used in Linear algebra.

The multiplicity of an eigenvalue λ of a linear transformation T as the number of independent associated eigenvectors. That is, as the dimension of the kernel of T-λ1V. etc, etc...

If the student knows this or something similar then the seemingly confusing terminology is made clear by using the terms interchangeably due to a nesting effect of definitions. Much like the use of dimension of the kernel above could be stated in a more confusing manner like using it to ask the question: what is the dimension of the kernel for A=...

Not preaching, as nearly all people answering questions knows this already, just telling the person asking to look through the questions by understanding the definitions better.
 

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