Proof: Eigenvector of B Belonging to \lambda for A*S*x

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    Eigenvector Proof
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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that if \( x \) is an eigenvector of matrix \( B \) corresponding to eigenvalue \( \lambda \), then \( Sx \) is an eigenvector of matrix \( A \) also corresponding to \( \lambda \). The relationship between matrices \( A \) and \( B \) is defined by the equation \( B = S^{-1}AS \).

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss starting from the definition of an eigenvector, specifically \( Bx = \lambda x \), and explore how to manipulate this to show \( A(Sx) = \lambda(Sx) \). There is an emphasis on using the relationship \( A = S B S^{-1} \) to derive the necessary results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to proceed with the proof, suggesting specific steps to take, such as multiplying by \( S \) and substituting known relationships. There is an ongoing exploration of the connections between the matrices and their eigenvectors, with some participants expressing uncertainty about how to relate their findings back to the original proof goal.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework assignment, which may limit the information they can use or the methods they can apply. There is a focus on deriving results without directly providing solutions.

WTFsandwich
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Homework Statement


Let B = S^-1 * A * S and x be an eigenvector of B belonging to an eigenvalue \lambda. Show S*x is an eigenvector of A belonging to \lambda.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The only place I can think of to start, is that B*x = \lambda*x.
However, even starting with that, I can't figure out where to go next.
Could someone point me in the right direction?
 
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WTFsandwich said:

Homework Statement


Let B = S^-1 * A * S and x be an eigenvector of B belonging to an eigenvalue \lambda. Show S*x is an eigenvector of A belonging to \lambda.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


The only place I can think of to start, is that B*x = \lambda*x.
However, even starting with that, I can't figure out where to go next.
Could someone point me in the right direction?
That's a decent start. Next, show that A(Sx) = \lambdax. That's what it means to say that Sx is an eigenvector of A corresponding to \lambda.
 
What do I use to show that?

The only new information I've got that might be helpful is that A = S * B * S^-1

Multiplying on the left by S gives A*S = S*B

After doing that, I'm stuck again. I feel like this is the right track, but I don't know how to relate this back to what I'm trying to prove.
 
Mark44 said:
That's a decent start. Next, show that A(Sx) = \lambdax. That's what it means to say that Sx is an eigenvector of A corresponding to \lambda.
Slight correction: You want to show that A(Sx) = \lambda(Sx)
WTFsandwich said:
What do I use to show that?

The only new information I've got that might be helpful is that A = S * B * S^-1

Multiplying on the left by S gives A*S = S*B

After doing that, I'm stuck again. I feel like this is the right track, but I don't know how to relate this back to what I'm trying to prove.
Multiply by x now.
 
I think I got it now.

After multiplying by x, I have ASx = SBx.

Bx has already been shown equal to \lambdax, so I substitute that in, giving

ASx = S\lambdax

\lambda can be moved to the other side of S since it's a scalar, giving ASx = \lambdaSx.
 

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