Guess Eigenvalue of 2x2 Matrix with Constant k Sum

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a 2x2 matrix A with a constant k such that the sum of the entries in each row and each column equals k. Participants are exploring which of the given vectors must be an eigenvector of the matrix.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the effect of the matrix A on the specified vectors and are questioning the nature of eigenvectors and eigenvalues. There is a focus on understanding the implications of the matrix's properties on the vectors provided.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on how to analyze the effects of the matrix on the vectors. There is a recognition of a potential typo in the original question regarding eigenvalues versus eigenvectors, which has led to some clarification efforts.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the original phrasing of the problem, which initially referred to eigenvalues instead of eigenvectors. Participants are also considering the constraints imposed by the matrix's properties, such as the sums of its entries.

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Homework Statement


Let A be a 2x2 matrix for which there is a constant k such that the sum of the entries in each row and each column is k. Which of the following must be an eigenvector of A?

a. [1,0]
b. [0,1]
c. [1,1]

(The answer can be any or all of these)

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know how to approach this...
 
Last edited:
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fk378 said:
Let A be a 2x2 matrix for which there is a constant k such that the sum of the entries in each row and each column is k. Which of the following must be an eigenvalue of A?

a. [1,0]
b. [0,1]
c. [1,1]

(The answer can be any or all of these)

I don't know how to approach this...

Hi fk378! :smile:

Sorry to say this, but … just go for the screamingly obvious :rolleyes::

for a 2x2 matrix ab cd, what is its effect on each of the three given vectors? :wink:
 
fk378 said:


a. [1,0]
b. [0,1]
c. [1,1]

...


...and here i thought that eigenvalues were scalars
 
Yes, it is. However, fk378 did ask "Which of the following must be an eigenvector of A?
Presumably, after determining which of those vectors is an eigevector, you could then determine the corresponding eigenvalue. That's certainly better than "guessing" the eigenvalue!

fk378, what is
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}a & b \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}1 \\ 0\end{bmatrix}[/tex]?
What is
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}a & b \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}[/tex]?
What is
[tex]\begin{bmatrix}a & b \\ c & d\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}1 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}[/tex]?

Remembering, of course that a+ c= k, b+ d= k, a+ b= k, and c+ d= k.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
AH sorry! I had a typo in the subject line...it should read "guess the eigenvector"

So sorry for the confusion here.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Yes, it is. However, fk378 did ask "Which of the following must be an eigenvector of A?
.


Well, the OP defenitely edited it at some latter point, since when i looked it it read eigenvalue.
 
I wasn't confused :blushing:

anyway, what's your answer …

for a 2x2 matrix ab cd, what is its effect on each of the three given vectors? :wink:
 

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