Is W an Eigenvector for Both Matrices A and B?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of eigenvectors in relation to two matrices, A and B, where A is a binary matrix with specific characteristics and B is defined as the product of A with itself. The original poster questions whether a particular vector W, which is an eigenvector for matrix B, is also an eigenvector for matrix A.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to analyze the implications of W being an eigenvector for B and whether this guarantees W is also an eigenvector for A. They explore the logical relationship between the two statements regarding the matrices.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some questioning the implications of the constraints on n and the nature of the matrices involved. The original poster has identified a counterexample for a smaller case but acknowledges the constraints of n > 2, indicating a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes the specific properties of matrix A, including its binary nature and zero diagonal, which are central to the discussion. There is also a mention of the difficulty in finding a common form for matrix B under the given conditions.

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Homework Statement


A=||A(i,j)|| (i,j=1,…,n) (n>2) is a binary matrix with zero diagonal and A(i,j)=1-A(j,i) for i≠j. W=(1,1,…,1)’ is an eigenvector for matrix B=A*A. Will W be an eigenvector for matrix A too? Why?

2. The attempt at a solution
Let have a look at these two statements:
"a". A=||A(i,j)|| (i,j=1,…,n) (n>2) is a binary matrix with zero diagonal and A(i,j)=1-A(j,i) (for i≠j) AND W=(1,1,…,1)’ is an eigenvector for matrix A.
"b". B=A*A (matrix A is of a form mentioned in "a") AND W=(1,1,…,1)’ is an eigenvector for matrix B.
It is easy to see that "a"=>"b", BUT how to investigate the implication "b"=>"a"? Is it always true? The first one ("a"=>"b") tells that the second ("b"=>"a") sometimes may be true (when both "a" and "b" occur) but will (or not?) the second always be true? I tried to investigate possible forms of matrix B but failed (no common form of matrix B could be found).
 
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Any ideas?
 
[edit] I found an immediate 2x2 counterexample but then noticed the n > 2 constraint.
 
Dear brainmonsters and superbrains, have you got any new ideas?
 

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