Is Every Eigenvalue Claim Correct for Matrix Operations?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of eigenvalues in relation to matrix operations involving two nxn matrices, A and B, where B is invertible. Participants are tasked with determining the validity of various statements regarding eigenvalues derived from these matrices.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants present multiple statements about eigenvalues and express uncertainty regarding their correctness. Some participants attempt to justify their choices with reasoning related to matrix properties and eigenvalue definitions.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the statements' validity, with participants providing reasoning and counterexamples. Some guidance has been offered regarding the need for justification of claims and the exploration of counterexamples for certain statements.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is a focus on understanding the implications of matrix operations on eigenvalues without reaching definitive conclusions.

shiri
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Let A and B be nxn matrices, where B is invertible. Suppose that 4 is an eigenvalue of A, and 5 is an eigenvalue of B. Find ALL true statements.

A) 4 is an eigenvalue of A^T
B) 4 is an eigenvalue of (B^−1)AB
C) 265 is an eigenvalue of (A^4)+A+5I
D) 8 is an eigenvalue of A+(A^T)
E) 20 is an eigenvalue of AB
F) None of the above

I choose:
A)
B)

am I right?
 
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Let A and B be nn matrices, where B is invertible. Suppose that 5 is an eigenvalue of A, and 4 is an eigenvalue of B. Find ALL true statements below.
A. 20 is an eigenvalue of AB
B. 10 is an eigenvalue of A+AT
C. 34 is an eigenvalue of A2+A+4I
D. 5 is an eigenvalue of AT
E. 5 is an eigenvalue of B−1AB
F. None of the above

HELP!
 


shiri said:
Let A and B be nxn matrices, where B is invertible. Suppose that 4 is an eigenvalue of A, and 5 is an eigenvalue of B. Find ALL true statements.

A) 4 is an eigenvalue of A^T
B) 4 is an eigenvalue of (B^−1)AB
C) 265 is an eigenvalue of (A^4)+A+5I
D) 8 is an eigenvalue of A+(A^T)
E) 20 is an eigenvalue of AB
F) None of the above

I choose:
A)
B)

am I right?

anyone?
 


If you think a statement is true you should probably give a reason. If you think it's not true then you should figure out a counterexample. Otherwise you are just playing a guessing game.
 


Dick said:
If you think a statement is true you should probably give a reason. If you think it's not true then you should figure out a counterexample. Otherwise you are just playing a guessing game.

A) Say it was a 3x3 matrix. If I transpose the matrix, the eigenvalue still be 4.
B) BB^-1 becomes an identity and it lefts with A only.
C) A^4 + A + 5I = (4)^4 + 4 + 5 = 265. However, I'm not too sure about this statement.
D) Not too sure if I can simply add those two together. If I assume that upper and lower triangular part are zeros.
E) Obviously not a correct statement.

What do you think, Dick? A & B only?

I am very skeptical about C & D. Please help me on this, Dick.
 


Ok, for A. A better reason is that the eigenvalues are the roots of det(A-xI) and determinant of the transpose of A-xI is the same as the determinant of A-xI. Your reason for B isn't so good. Matrices in general don't commute. If v is the eigenvector of A then Av=4v. Define a vector y=B^(-1)x. What's (B^(-1)AB)y? For C, use Av=4v and figure out what (A^4+A+5I)v is. What does that tell you about the eigenvalues of (A^4+A+5I)? Can you think of a counterexample for D and E?
 


Dick said:
Ok, for A. A better reason is that the eigenvalues are the roots of det(A-xI) and determinant of the transpose of A-xI is the same as the determinant of A-xI. Your reason for B isn't so good. Matrices in general don't commute. If v is the eigenvector of A then Av=4v. Define a vector y=B^(-1)x. What's (B^(-1)AB)y? For C, use Av=4v and figure out what (A^4+A+5I)v is. What does that tell you about the eigenvalues of (A^4+A+5I)? Can you think of a counterexample for D and E?

A, B, C are true

D) If I assume there are non-zeros in the matrix

eg.
|1 4|+|1 3|=|2 7|
|3 2| |4 2| |7 4|

So, eval are roots of different roots and I have to use a quadratic formula to find those roots

E) Multiplying A&B will not come out as 20 b/c the matrix should be multiplied, not multiplying scalars (eigenvalues). So, False.

What do you think?
 


Yes, A, B and C are true. D and E are only true for some matrices, not for others. I'll give you examples where they aren't and you figure out why, ok? I can't really tell what you are trying to say for either of them. For D take A=[[4,1],[0,0]]. What are the eigenvalues of A, A^(T) and A+A^(T)? For E take A=[[4,0],[0,0]] and B=[[0,0],[0,5]]. What are the eigenvalues of A, B and AB? If you want another exercise, figure out specific matrices where D and E ARE true.
 

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