Polynomial Linear Transformation

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the polynomial linear transformation defined by T(p) = p(t + 1) for polynomials p in the linear space V of degree less than n. It is established that T has only the eigenvalue 1, with the eigenfunctions corresponding to this eigenvalue being nonzero constant polynomials. The proof requires demonstrating that any polynomial p(t) satisfying the equation p(t + 1) = λp(t) must have λ equal to 1, confirming that only constant polynomials fulfill this condition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear transformations in vector spaces
  • Knowledge of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions
  • Familiarity with polynomial functions and their properties
  • Basic concepts of proof techniques in linear algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of linear transformations in polynomial spaces
  • Learn about eigenvalue problems in linear algebra
  • Explore the implications of constant functions as eigenfunctions
  • Investigate the relationship between polynomial degree and eigenvalues
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of linear algebra, and anyone interested in the properties of polynomial transformations and eigenvalue theory.

Needhelpzzz
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Let V be the linear space of all real polynomials p(x) of degree < n. If p ∈ V, define q = T(p) to mean that q(t) = p(t + 1) for all real t. Prove that T has only the eigenvalue 1. What are the eigenfunctions belonging to this eigenvalue?

What I did was
T(p)= (lamda) p = q (Lamda) p(t+1) = q(t) (Lamda) p(t+1) = p(t+1)
(Lamda) = 1

Eigenfunctions are nonzero constant polynomials.

Is this right though?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Needhelpzzz said:
Let V be the linear space of all real polynomials p(x) of degree < n. If p ∈ V, define q = T(p) to mean that q(t) = p(t + 1) for all real t. Prove that T has only the eigenvalue 1. What are the eigenfunctions belonging to this eigenvalue?

What I did was
T(p)= (lamda) p = q (Lamda) p(t+1) = q(t) (Lamda) p(t+1) = p(t+1)
(Lamda) = 1

Eigenfunctions are nonzero constant polynomials.

Is this right though?

That may be right, but you certainly haven't proved it. What you have to work with is$$
p(t+1) = \lambda p(t)$$Surely ##\lambda = 1## and ##p(t) \equiv c## (a constant) satisfy that condition. But maybe some other ##\lambda## and ##p(t)## work too. You need to prove that ##\lambda## must equal ##1## and then show the only polynomials that work when ##\lambda =1## are constants.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K