How do you find this eigenvector?

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    Eigenvector
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding eigenvectors for a given 2x2 matrix after determining its eigenvalues, which are complex numbers. Participants express confusion regarding the next steps in the process of finding eigenvectors from the eigenvalues.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss substituting eigenvalues into the matrix λI - A to find a vector v that satisfies the equation (λI - A)v=0. There is mention of solving a set of linear equations and the role of free parameters in the solution.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, suggesting specific steps to take with the eigenvalues. However, there remains a lack of consensus on the execution of these steps, as confusion persists regarding the practical application of the theoretical concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the equations derived from the eigenvalue substitution are dependent, leading to a free variable in the solution. There is an emphasis on the need to clarify the process of finding the eigenvector without providing a complete solution.

msell2
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[0 1]
[-2 -2] This is the 2x2 matrix.

[λ -1]
[2 λ+2] This is the matrix that equals λI - A.

Here are the eigenvalues I found:
λ = -1 + i, -1 - i

I am really confused at what to do next to find the eigenvectors. I keep looking online for help but I still can't figure it out...

Thanks!
 
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msell2 said:
[0 1]
[-2 -2] This is the 2x2 matrix.

[λ -1]
[2 λ+2] This is the matrix that equals λI - A.

Here are the eigenvalues I found:
λ = -1 + i, -1 - i

I am really confused at what to do next to find the eigenvectors. I keep looking online for help but I still can't figure it out...

Thanks!

Now put one of your eigenvalues into λI - A and try to find a vector v such that (λI - A)v=0. Then v would be an eigenvector of λ. It's just a set of linear equations to solve with a free parameter.
 
msell2 said:
[0 1]
[-2 -2] This is the 2x2 matrix.

[λ -1]
[2 λ+2] This is the matrix that equals λI - A.

Here are the eigenvalues I found:
λ = -1 + i, -1 - i

I am really confused at what to do next to find the eigenvectors. I keep looking online for help but I still can't figure it out...

Thanks!

For ##\lambda## equal an eigenvalue, your two equations are dependent, so you only need to solve one and you have one free variable. The first one is the same as ##\lambda x - y =0## or ##y = \lambda x##. So let ##x = 1## and what do you get for ##y##? Do that for each value of ##\lambda## and you will have two [x,y] eigenvectors.
 
Dick said:
Now put one of your eigenvalues into λI - A and try to find a vector v such that (λI - A)v=0. Then v would be an eigenvector of λ. It's just a set of linear equations to solve with a free parameter.
I get what I need to do in theory, I just don't actually know how to do it. How do you find v such that (λI-A)v=0?
 
msell2 said:
I get what I need to do in theory, I just don't actually know how to do it. How do you find v such that (λI-A)v=0?

Just try it! What is the matrix (λI-A) when λ=-1+i? Write that matrix times a vector (x,y), set it equal to zero and try to find a solution for x and y.
 

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