Linear Algebra proof, diagonalization

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around proving that a 2x2 matrix N, where N^2 = 0, is either the zero matrix or similar to the matrix J = ((0,0),(1,0)). Participants explore the requirements for finding a basis for R^2, specifically vectors V_1 and V_2, such that NV_1 = V_2 and NV_2 = 0. The conversation highlights the importance of linear independence and the use of similarity transformations, particularly the formula B = Q^-1*N*Q, to establish the relationship between N and J. The eigenvalues of N are confirmed to be zero, reinforcing the conclusion about its similarity to J.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear transformations and matrices
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of similarity transformations in linear algebra
  • Concept of linear independence in vector spaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of Jordan normal form in linear algebra
  • Learn about nilpotent matrices and their properties
  • Explore the derivation and application of the similarity transformation B = Q^-1*N*Q
  • Investigate the implications of eigenvalues being zero for matrix similarity
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in linear algebra, particularly those studying matrix theory, eigenvalues, and transformations. This discussion is beneficial for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of nilpotent matrices and their properties.

  • #31
I like Serena said:
Yes, it is invertible, because V_1 and V_2 have to be linearly independent.
(If you're up to it... why?)

So let's define J=[(0,0) (1,0)].
Then we'd have N P = P J with P an invertible matrix.
Can you rewrite this?


So we don't know N and when I write that I get ((0,0),(0,1)) on the RHS and N*(V_2,V_1) on the LHS.
 
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  • #32
Yes.
What happens if you multiply the LHS and the RHS with the inverse of P?
 
  • #33
I like Serena said:
Yes.
What happens if you multiply the LHS and the RHS with the inverse of P?

So I get N*((1,0),(0,1))=((0,0),(1,0)) which is what we want. Because N times the identity equals the similar matrix.

So we can just use anything that generates R^2...

Isn't it a lot simpler to say N*(0,1)=(0,0) where (0,1) is V_1 as I noted in my original attempt at the problem or cannot you not do that because we do not know what N is?
 
  • #34
hedgie said:
So I get N*((1,0),(0,1))=((0,0),(0,1)) which is what we want.

Umm... no...
You need to show that N is similar to J.
But you don't and can't know what N, P, V_1, or V_2 are...
You can only find some properties of them, like to which matrix N is similar to, and that V_1 and V_2 are linearly independent.

hedgie said:
So we can just use anything that generates R^2...

:confused:


hedgie said:
Isn't it a lot simpler to say N*(0,1)=(0,0) where (0,1) is V_1 as I noted in my original attempt at the problem or cannot you not do that because we do not know what N is?

N*(0,1)=(0,0) may or may not be true. It's not possible to say.
 
  • #35
Why do we not know V_1 and V_2 are they not E_1 and E_2 for R^2 and then transformed to get ((0,1),(0,0))
 
  • #36
Suppose N=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 \\ -1 & -1 \end{pmatrix}.
Does it satisfy the problem criteria?
Are V_1 and V_2 as you're suggesting?
 
  • #37
Do they satisfy the transformation or the ((1,1),(-1,-1)) * V_1= V_2...no for the second one if V_1 = (0,1)...completely lost now.
 
  • #38
Suppose V_1=(1,1).
Does it fit?

What would V_2 be?
And what would N^2 be?
 
  • #39
Are you just picking arbitrary V_1? shouldn't it be the first column?
 
  • #40
No, it's not arbitrary. :)

Why should it be the first column?
 
  • #41
We had always used columns in class and from the book...and the basis are all columns and everything we have been writing or I at least have been writing is in columns.

Which is why I would've thought (1,-1) is V1 and why I asked if it was arbitrary...if I was using rows i'd expect (1,1).
 
  • #42
That's why I adjusted post #36, to avoid confusion.

So what is:
N\cdot \begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 1\end{pmatrix}=\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 \\ -1 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 1\end{pmatrix}

And what do you get if you multiply N with the resulting vector?

What are therefore V_1 and V_2?
 
  • #43
(a_11+a_12,a_21+a_22) as a 2x1 matrix if we do not know what v_1 and v_2 are..

V_1 and V_2 are both (1,1) or the 2x2 matrix of ((1,1),(1,1))
 
  • #44
Did you calculate \begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 \\ -1 & -1 \end{pmatrix} \cdot \begin{pmatrix}1 \\ 1\end{pmatrix}?
 
  • #45
yes (2,-2) column vector...also tried to solve the problem using the matrix ((a,b),(c,d)) and got a=+-d
 
  • #46
hedgie said:
yes (2,-2) column vector

Yes. And N*(2,-2)?


hedgie said:
...also tried to solve the problem using the matrix ((a,b),(c,d)) and got a=+-d

a=-d would be right, but how did you get a=d?
 
  • #47
I don't, I only got a=-d, sorry typo.

((1,-1),(1,-1))*(2,-2)=(0,0) and (V_1 V_2) = ((2,-2),(2,-2))
 
  • #48
hedgie said:
I don't, I only got a=-d, sorry typo.

Yes.


hedgie said:
((1,-1),(1,-1))*(2,-2)=(0,0) and (V_1 V_2) = ((2,-2),(2,-2))

No: (V_1 V_2) = ((1,1),(2,-2))
 
  • #49
Why would it be the first row and the column that i am multiplying it against transposed to a row?
 

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