Finding eigenvectors for matrix with eigenvalues 8 and 0

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Tzabcan
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So, I have the matrix:

A = -1 -3
3 9

Eigenvalues i calculated to be λ = 8 and 0

Now when i calculate the Eigenvector for λ = 8, i get the answer -1
3

Then when solve for the eigenvector for λ= 0 I get the eigenvector 3
-1

Both incorrect, they're supposed to have the signs the opposite way round. I don't understand how I am getting it wrong.

This is how i am attemption to solve it.

Handwritten working on lined paper solving for eigenvectors: for λ = 8, equations -9x1 - 3x2 = 3x1 + 9x2 leading to x2 = -3x1 and vector (1, -3); for λ = 0, -x1 - 3x2 = 3x1 + 9x2 leading to x1 = -3x2 and vector (3, -1).


Any pointers would be appreciated.
 
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Tzabcan said:
So, I have the matrix:

A = -1 -3
3 9

Eigenvalues i calculated to be λ = 8 and 0

Now when i calculate the Eigenvector for λ = 8, i get the answer -1
3

Then when solve for the eigenvector for λ= 0 I get the eigenvector 3
-1

Both incorrect, they're supposed to have the signs the opposite way round. I don't understand how I am getting it wrong.

This is how i am attemption to solve it.

Handwritten work on paper finding eigenvectors: for λ = 8, the matrix system gives x1 = 1, x2 = -3; for λ = 0, the system gives x1 = 3, x2 = -1, written as column vectors.


Any pointers would be appreciated.
I didn't check your work, but from what you said, your eigenvectors are fine. Your answers are the -1 multiples of the ones shown in your answers. If you have an eigenvector, any constant multiple of it will also be an eigenvector.

It's easy to check whether you work is correct. Calculate Ax, where A is your matrix and x is an eigenvector. If you get ##\lambda x##, where ##\lambda## is the eigenvalue associated with that eigenvector, your work is find. Note that if x is an eigenvector, -x will also be one as well.
 
Mark44 said:
I didn't check your work, but from what you said, your eigenvectors are fine. Your answers are the -1 multiples of the ones shown in your answers. If you have an eigenvector, any constant multiple of it will also be an eigenvector.

It's easy to check whether you work is correct. Calculate Ax, where A is your matrix and x is an eigenvector. If you get ##\lambda x##, where ##\lambda## is the eigenvalue associated with that eigenvector, your work is find. Note that if x is an eigenvector, -x will also be one as well.
Oh ok, thank you :)