Lagrange to find eigen values and vectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a given matrix A, specifically using Lagrange multipliers, which is not the typical method for this type of problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about applying Lagrange multipliers to find eigenvalues and vectors, indicating a lack of familiarity with this approach.
  • Some participants suggest using the standard determinant method for finding eigenvalues, while others question the appropriateness of using Lagrange multipliers in this context.
  • One participant attempts to clarify the relationship between eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and the concept of maximizing vector lengths.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the standard method for finding eigenvalues, but there is no consensus on the use of Lagrange multipliers for this specific task.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's understanding of Lagrange multipliers is noted, as well as the potential confusion regarding their application to eigenvalue problems. The problem statement has not been fully clarified by the original poster.

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Homework Statement


im given a matrix A= 1 -2
///////////////////////-2 4
im told to find the eigen values and the vectors... but the thing is i have never came across this, i learned lagrange multipliers but never used it to find eigen values and vector..

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



im really lost..

can someone hint me pls
thanks in advanve
 
Last edited:
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To find the eigenvalues use:
det|A - I \lambda| = 0
Where I is the identity matrix.
Solve for lambda.
http://www.miislita.com/information-retrieval-tutorial/matrix-tutorial-3-eigenvalues-eigenvectors.html" is more information for finding Eigenvalues and their Eigenvectors:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Winzer said:
To find the eigenvalues use:
det|A - I \lambda| = 0
Where I is the identity matrix.
Solve for lambda.:

the mothod you states above, i know how to do it that way,but i need to do it using lagrange multiplier
 
Please state the problem exactly as it is given. Normally, "Lagrange multipliers" are used to find maximum and minimum values, not for finding eigenvalues or eigenvectors.

However, you can think of a matrix as "stretching" or "compressing" directions in the xy-plane. Specifically, if \lambda is the largest eigenvalue of matrix A, and v is a corresponding eigenvector, then Av= \lambda v maximizes the length of Av. Given
v= \begin{bmatrix}x \\ y \end{bmatrix},

\begin{bmatrix}1 & -2 \\ -2 & 4\end{bmatrix}\begin{bmatrix}x \\ y\end{bmatrix}= \begin{bmatrix}x- 2y \\ -2x+ 4y\end{bmatrix}
will have maximum length (among all vectors with the same length) if and only if v is an eigenvector corresponding to the largest eigenvector.

That is, the problem of finding the larger and smaller eigenvalues can be construed as "Maximize (minimize) (x- 2y)^2+ (-2x+ 4y)^2 subject to the constraint x^2+ y^2= 1". That is a problem that can be handled with Lagrange multipliers.
 
i thought i stated...but i see now that i stated in the title only sorry,
thanks for your help!
 

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