Let A be an n x n matrix such that A^3 = On

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SUMMARY

For an n x n matrix A satisfying the condition A3 = On, the only possible eigenvalue is 0. This conclusion arises from the eigenvalue equation Ax = λx, which, when manipulated by multiplying both sides by A twice, leads to the result A3x = λ3x. Since A3 = On, it follows that λ3 must equal 0, confirming that λ = 0 is the sole eigenvalue.

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I have a problem.
Let A be an n x n matrix such that A^3 = On (On is a n x n zero matrix). Show that the only possible eigenvalue for A is 0.
 
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An eigenvalue lambda must satisfy

Ax = lambda x

for some nonzero vector x.

Now multiply both sides of the above equation on the left by A, twice, and substitute lambda x in place of Ax where appropriate.

What is the resulting equation, and what does it imply about lambda?
 

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