Finding eigenvector from eigenvalue

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding eigenvectors corresponding to the eigenvalues -2 + 3i and -2 - 3i for the matrix A = [[-1, 5], [-2, -3]]. The user correctly derived the characteristic equations from the matrix (A - Ir) and established the relationships between the variables x and y. By substituting x = 5, they found the eigenvector (5, -1 + 3i) for the eigenvalue -2 + 3i. A similar method yields the eigenvector for -2 - 3i, confirming the principles of eigenvalue and eigenvector calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Familiarity with matrix operations and complex numbers
  • Knowledge of the characteristic polynomial
  • Ability to solve linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the process of calculating eigenvalues using the characteristic polynomial
  • Learn how to derive eigenvectors from eigenvalues in complex matrices
  • Explore the implications of complex eigenvalues in systems of differential equations
  • Practice with additional examples of eigenvalue problems using different matrices
USEFUL FOR

Students studying linear algebra, mathematicians working with complex matrices, and anyone interested in the applications of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in various fields such as physics and engineering.

DWill
Messages
68
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


For the matrix A =

-1, 5
-2, -3

I found the eigenvalues to be -2 + 3i and -2 - 3i.
Now I need some help to find the eigenvectors corresponding to each.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For r = -2 + 3i, I plugged that into the (A - Ir) matrix, which I found to be

1-3i, 5
-2, -1-3i

I multiply that matrix with the vector (x y) and set it equal to (0 0) right? If I do that I get the following 2 equations:

(1-3i)x + 5y = 0
-2x - (-1-3i)y = 0

Did I make a mistake somewhere, or how should I go on to find the eigenvector? Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks good to me so far, I haven't checked the actual numbers but the principles are fine.

Edit:Checked the numbers and they look fine too.
 
I prefer just to use the basic definition of "eigenvalue". If \lambda is and eigenvalue of A then there exist a non-zero vector v such that Av= \lambda v and, of course, v is an eigenvector.

Here, for \lambda= -2+ 3} that is
A= \begin{bmatrix}-1 & 5 \\ -2 & -3\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x \\ y\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}(-2+i\sqrt{3})x \\ (-2+3i)\end{bmatrix}
which reduces to two equations:
-x+ 5y= (-2+ 3i)x and -2x- 3y= (-2+ 3i)y both of which reduce to 5y= (-1+ 3i)x. Taking x= 5, y= -1+ 3i satisfies that and gives (5, -1+ 3i) as an eigenvector corresponding to eigenvalue -2+ 3i. A similar calculation gives an eigenvector corresponding to eigenvalue -2- 3i.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K