# Linear Algebra: Is the matrix diagonalizable?

## Homework Statement

Let A be a square matrix and $$f_A (\lambda)$$ its characteristic polynomial. In each of the following cases (i) to (iv), write down whether
A is diagonalizable over R
A is not diagonalizable over R
its not possible to say one way or the other.

THEN say whether or not the matrix can certainly be diagonalizable over C

I am only having trouble with the following case:
$$f_A (\lambda)=(\lambda^2+3)^2$$

## Homework Equations

There aren't any relevant equations strictly speaking

## The Attempt at a Solution

Well it is clear that the eigenvalues are $$\sqrt{3}i and -\sqrt{3}i$$, both having multiplicity 2 in the characteristic polynomial. Clearly then A is not diagonalizable over R as its eigenvalues are not real. Where I get stuck is deciding if the matrix can certainly be diagonalizable over C or not. from the characteristic polynomial I see that A is 4x4, and it does not have 4 distinct eigenvalues, which doesn't help me. I am not sure how to approach this really its the first time I have encoutered a characteristic polynomial of this sort and cant seem to find anything helpful in my textbook. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated
-Curtis

lanedance
Homework Helper
if an nxn matrix has n distinct eignvalues in a field Q, then it is diagonalisable over Q.

if the eignevalues are not in Q, it is not diagonalisable over Q
if there are repeated eigenvalues, then you can't say until you check the dimensions of the eigenspaces sum to n

if an nxn matrix has n distinct eignvalues in a field Q, then it is diagonalisable over Q.

if the eignevalues are not in Q, it is not diagonalisable over Q
if there are repeated eigenvalues, then you can't say until you check the dimensions of the eigenspaces sum to n