Gershgorin Circle Theorem, mathematical derivation of eigenvalue estimates

In summary, the Gershgorin Circle Theorem can be used to estimate the eigenvalues of a real symmetric matrix. The theorem states that the eigenvalues are within the union of disks formed by the diagonal entries of the matrix. This provides an approximate value for the eigenvalues in the complex plane, but for real eigenvalues, the disks are intervals on the real number line.
  • #1
onako
86
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I intend to use the Gershgorin Circle Theorem for estimating the eigenvalues of a real symmetric (n x n) matrix. Unfortunately, I'm a bit confused with the examples one might find on the internet; What would be the mathematical
formula for deriving estimates on eigenvalues?

I understand that certain disks are formed, each centered at the diagonal entry, with the radius equal to the summation of absolute values of the associated off-diagonal row entries. Which steps to take from this point to get the estimates on the eigenvalues?
 
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  • #2
I hope you have found your solution 5 years later, but since others may have the same question and because I find the theorem very interesting and possibly useful, I'll post.

The Gershgorin disk theorem gives us that the spectrum of the matrix is a subset of the union of the gershgorin disks, i.e. the eigenvalues of the matrix are elements of the union of the disks as you rightly defined them. So the theorem gives an approximate value of the eigenvalues in the complex plane. Though in physics, we are often only dealing with real eigenvalues, so the disks are really intervals on the real number line. So your estimate would be any value in the interval.

I Hope this helps.
 
  • #3
This thread has run its course. Normally older threads are closed, this one was open. So after a reasonable answer it seems to be time to shut the door.
 

FAQ: Gershgorin Circle Theorem, mathematical derivation of eigenvalue estimates

1. What is the Gershgorin Circle Theorem?

The Gershgorin Circle Theorem is a mathematical theorem that provides a way to estimate the eigenvalues of a square matrix. It states that the eigenvalues of a matrix lie within the union of a set of circles in the complex plane, known as the Gershgorin disks.

2. How is the Gershgorin Circle Theorem derived?

The Gershgorin Circle Theorem is derived using basic algebraic techniques and properties of matrices. The key idea is to use the definition of eigenvalues and eigenvectors to find an equation that describes the location of the eigenvalues within the Gershgorin disks.

3. What are the uses of the Gershgorin Circle Theorem?

The Gershgorin Circle Theorem is used in many areas of mathematics and science, including linear algebra, numerical analysis, and control theory. It is particularly useful in estimating the eigenvalues of large matrices, which can be computationally expensive to calculate directly.

4. Are there any limitations to the Gershgorin Circle Theorem?

One limitation of the Gershgorin Circle Theorem is that it only provides estimates for the eigenvalues of a matrix and does not give the exact values. Additionally, it assumes that the matrix has real or complex entries and may not apply to matrices with other types of entries.

5. Can the Gershgorin Circle Theorem be extended to higher dimensions?

Yes, the Gershgorin Circle Theorem can be extended to higher dimensions, such as for three-dimensional matrices. However, the number of Gershgorin disks and the complexity of the theorem increase as the dimensionality of the matrix increases, making it more challenging to use in practice.

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