How write a matrix in terms of determinant and trace?

In summary, writing a matrix in terms of its determinant and trace is a useful technique for simplifying computations and understanding its properties. This formula is only valid for square, invertible matrices. Other methods of writing a matrix include using its eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, and row and column operations.
  • #1
Jhenrique
685
4
Given the following: $$\\ \begin{bmatrix}
A & 0\\
0 & B\\
\end{bmatrix}$$ the eigenvalues is exactaly A and B. So analogously, is possible to write a matrix with only two elements, T and D, such that the trace is T and the determinant is D?

I tried something: $$\\ \text{tr} \left(
\begin{bmatrix}
\frac{1}{2}T & 0\\
0 & \frac{1}{2}T\\
\end{bmatrix}
\right) = T $$
$$\\ \text{det} \left(
\begin{bmatrix}
\sqrt{\frac{D}{2}} & \sqrt{-\frac{D}{2}} \\
\sqrt{-\frac{D}{2}} & \sqrt{\frac{D}{2}} \\
\end{bmatrix}
\right) = D $$
But I can't join the 2 formulas...
 
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  • #2
There are infinitely many ways. You could write

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}T & D \\ -1 & 0\end{pmatrix}[/tex]
for example. Or you could try

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}\frac{T}{2} & \frac{T}{2} + \sqrt D \\ \frac{T}{2} - \sqrt D & \frac{T}{2}\end{pmatrix}[/tex]
Since ##T## and ##D## are the only invariants, these matrices ought to be similar. Maybe you can work out the similarity transformation.
 
  • #3
Ben Niehoff said:
There are infinitely many ways. You could write

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}T & D \\ -1 & 0\end{pmatrix}[/tex]
for example. Or you could try

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}\frac{T}{2} & \frac{T}{2} + \sqrt D \\ \frac{T}{2} - \sqrt D & \frac{T}{2}\end{pmatrix}[/tex]
Since ##T## and ##D## are the only invariants, these matrices ought to be similar. Maybe you can work out the similarity transformation.

Yeah, yeah! The ideia is express a matrix in terms of the invariants, exist some general formula for this?
 
  • #4
No.

4chars
 
  • #5
Ben Niehoff said:
No.

4chars

what?
 
  • #6
He's saying "no". But his reply needs to be at least 4-characters long (to prevent spam), hence the "4chars" at the end.
 

1. How do I write a matrix in terms of determinant and trace?

The formula for writing a 2x2 matrix in terms of its determinant and trace is A = (tr(A)/2)I + (det(A)/2)A-1, where A is the matrix, tr(A) is the trace, and det(A) is the determinant. For a larger matrix, the formula becomes more complex and involves finding the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix.

2. What is the purpose of writing a matrix in terms of determinant and trace?

Writing a matrix in terms of its determinant and trace allows for easier computation and analysis of the matrix. These two quantities provide important information about the matrix, such as its eigenvalues and determinant, which can help in solving equations and understanding its properties.

3. Can any matrix be written in terms of determinant and trace?

No, only square matrices can be written in terms of their determinant and trace. Additionally, the matrix must be invertible (i.e. have a non-zero determinant) in order for the formula to be valid.

4. How does finding the determinant and trace of a matrix relate to writing it in terms of these quantities?

The determinant of a matrix is a scalar value that represents the scaling factor of the matrix, while the trace is the sum of the elements on the main diagonal. By using these two quantities, we can express the matrix in a simpler form, making it easier to work with and understand.

5. Are there any other ways to write a matrix besides in terms of determinant and trace?

Yes, there are many other ways to write a matrix, such as using its eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, or row and column operations. Each representation has its own advantages and uses, depending on the problem at hand.

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