Canonical form and change of coordinates for a matrix

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the canonical forms for a given 6x6 matrix related to linear algebra, specifically focusing on linear operators and the corresponding change of coordinates. The original poster expresses difficulty due to limited resources and prior knowledge, particularly regarding the treatment of larger matrices compared to the 2x2 cases previously covered.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the determinant by subtracting λ from the diagonal and expresses confusion about evaluating eigenvectors for the 6x6 matrix. They also question how to handle the complex roots and their implications for the canonical form.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide initial guidance on calculating the determinant and suggest placing -λ down the diagonal. However, the original poster is still exploring how to proceed with the eigenvectors and the implications of the roots found, indicating an ongoing discussion without a clear consensus or resolution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the absence of a textbook and reliance on online resources, which may contribute to their uncertainty in tackling the problem. They also mention the complexity of the matrix and the need to understand different cases for eigenvalues.

jejaques
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Hello! I'm trying to do some linear algebra. I have an insane Russian teach whose English is, uh, lacking.. so I'd appreciate any help with these I can get here!

Homework Statement


Find the canonical forms for the following linear operators and the matrices for the corresponsing change of coordinates.

Here is the 6x6 matrix:
0 1 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0
0 0 0 0 0 1
-1 0 0 -2 0 0


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know I have to do subtract [tex]\lambda[/tex] on the diagonal, take the determinant, find the roots by solving for the [tex]\lambda[/tex] values, and then plug them in one at a time to find the different [tex]\zeta[/tex], turn that into a change of coordinates, and then depending on case, put it into canonical form...

Unfortunately, my professor has only shown us the various [tex]\lambda[/tex] cases for 2 x 2 matrices and because we can "look everything up on google," we have no book!

A couple questions: Can I simplify this or maybe turn it into the Jordan block? Can anyone point me to a similar problem, even? I've been searching for two hours, have searched through three free linear algebra e-books and am still lost =(

Thanks so much!
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi jejaques! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a lambda: λ :wink:)
jejaques said:
Unfortunately, my professor has only shown us the various [tex]\lambda[/tex] cases for 2 x 2 matrices and because we can "look everything up on google," we have no book!

Just put -λ down the diagonal, and calculate the determinant :smile:
 


tiny-tim said:
Hi jejaques! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a lambda: λ :wink:)


Just put -λ down the diagonal, and calculate the determinant :smile:


tiny-tim said:
Hi jejaques! Welcome to PF! :smile:

(have a lambda: λ :wink:)


Just put -λ down the diagonal, and calculate the determinant :smile:


Hello, and thanks for the welcome...

Yeah, my reasoning was in my "attempt at a solution" section. I subtracted [tex]\lambda[/tex] from the diagonal and did the determinant; I just thought it was too much tedious stuff to post here, as I'm having problems further on.

The determinant is [tex]\lambda[/tex]6 - 2[tex]\lambda[/tex]3 + 1

To factor roots, I set the determinant equal to zero and factored, as follows:
0 = ([tex]\lambda[/tex]3 - 1)2
= ([tex]\lambda[/tex]-1)([tex]\lambda[/tex]5 + [tex]\lambda[/tex]4 + [tex]\lambda[/tex]3 - [tex]\lambda[/tex]2 - [tex]\lambda[/tex] - 1)
= ([tex]\lambda[/tex] - 1)([tex]\lambda[/tex] - 1)([tex]\lambda[/tex]4 + 2[tex]\lambda[/tex]3 + 3[tex]\lambda[/tex]2 + 2[tex]\lambda[/tex] + 1)
= ([tex]\lambda[/tex] - 1)2([tex]\lambda[/tex]2 + [tex]\lambda[/tex] + 1)2

It has identical real roots at... [tex]\lambda<sub>1</sub>[/tex] = [tex]\lambda<sup>2</sup>[/tex] = 1, and identical complex roots at [tex]\lambda<sub>3</sub>[/tex] = [tex]\lambda<sub>4</sub>[/tex] = 1/2 + [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]i[tex]/[/tex]2 and [tex]\lambda<sub>5</sub>[/tex] = [tex]\lambda<sub>6</sub>[/tex] = 1/2 - [tex]\sqrt{3}[/tex]i[tex]/[/tex]2

But the issue is, with a 6 x 6 matrix, which case should I evaluate and how should I go about finding the eigenvectors?

I know complex roots evaluate to the canonical form A[tex]\bar{}[/tex]:
[tex]\alpha[/tex] [tex]\beta[/tex] 0
-[tex]\beta[/tex] [tex]\alpha[/tex] 0
0 0 1

But do I need to evaluate each of the positive and negative complex roots separately, and where do I throw in the [tex]\lambda<sub>1</sub>[/tex] = [tex]\lambda<sub>2</sub>[/tex] canonical form in that big 6 x 6?

Thanks!
 
Hey, buddy are you in sergey nikitin class at ASU?
 

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