Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices in modular arithmetic, specifically in Z mod 7 and Z mod 11. Participants explore the characteristic polynomial, eigenvalues, and the process of determining eigenvectors related to these eigenvalues.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a matrix in Z mod 7 and claims to find the characteristic polynomial and eigenvalues, seeking help to find the corresponding eigenvectors.
  • Another participant confirms the relationship y=4x for the eigenvectors and provides examples of non-zero vectors that satisfy this relationship.
  • A different participant introduces a new matrix in Z mod 11, stating the characteristic polynomial and eigenvalues, but expresses confusion about solving the system of equations for eigenvectors.
  • One participant corrects the earlier claim about the eigenvector's components, suggesting that if y=4x, then the eigenvector should be (1, 4) instead of (4, 1).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the process of finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors, but there are disagreements regarding specific eigenvector components and the correctness of the equations used in the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the correctness of their equations and solutions, particularly in the context of modular arithmetic, which may affect the results. There are also unresolved steps in deriving the eigenvector solutions.

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Hello i have this matrix [itex]\in Z[/itex] mod [itex]7[/itex],
M = \begin{pmatrix} 0&6\\ 5&0 \end{pmatrix}
always modulo [itex]7[/itex] in [itex]Z[/itex].
I found characteristic polynomial [itex]x^2+5[/itex].
Eigenvalues are [itex]\lambda = 3, \lambda' = 4[/itex]
Eigenvectors related to [itex]\lambda = 3[/itex] are the non-zero solution of the system:
[itex]4x +6y = 0,[/itex]
[itex]5x+4y = 0[/itex]
I get:
[itex]4x = y,[/itex]
[itex]6y[/itex]
I don't know if it is correct, but how can i find the eigenvectors?
 
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Yes, y=4x is correct. Now you just need to find a non-zero vector (0,0) that satisfies this. So, we can take y=1 for example. In that case (x,y)=(4,1) satisfies the equation. So (4,1) is an eigenvector.
We could also take y=2, then y=(1,2) was an eigenvector. etc.
 
now i have a problem to solve this:
in [itex]Z[/itex] mod [itex]11[/itex]

M = \begin{pmatrix} 0&2\\ 7&0 \end{pmatrix}
The characteristic polinomyal is : [itex]x^2+8[/itex],
eigenvalues [itex]\lambda=5, \lambda'=6[/itex],
eigenvectors related to [itex]\lambda=5[/itex] are the non-zero solution of the system:
[itex]6x+2y=0[/itex]
[itex]7x+6y=0[/itex]
I don't know how to solve this system because i took a look at the solution of the exercise and it is:
[itex]V={(y, 8y)}[/itex]
I don't know how to get this solution.
Oh i get now I'm wrong to write the first equation.:redface:
 
Last edited:
micromass said:
Yes, y=4x is correct. Now you just need to find a non-zero vector (0,0) that satisfies this. So, we can take y=1 for example. In that case (x,y)=(4,1) satisfies the equation. So (4,1) is an eigenvector.
We could also take y=2, then y=(1,2) was an eigenvector. etc.
You have this backwards. If y= 4x, then the eigenvector is (1, 4), not (4, 1).
 

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