Prove if a Square Matrix A is Diangonalizable

1. Apr 28, 2012

LovesToLearn

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Let A be a non-diagonal n-by-n matrix of rank m. Suppose that a set of vectors, v1 ... vm, are linearly independent vectors in Rn such that for i = 1,...,m,
Avi = 10vi (vi is a vector in the given set of linearly independent vectors).

(a) Prove that A is diagonalizable.
(b) Give an example of a matrix satisfying these conditions for n = 2, m = 2.

2. Relevant equations
D = S-1AS

3. The attempt at a solution
I am very confused on how to do part a. I understand that one of the eigenvalue for vi is 10 but I do not know what to do with that...

2. Apr 28, 2012

micromass

Staff Emeritus
A matrix is diagonalizable if and only if it has a basis of eigenvectors. Can you find such a basis?

3. Apr 29, 2012

LovesToLearn

Okay so we know that an eigenbasis consists of eigenvectors. We know one of the eigenvalues, 10. But, how do you find the other eigenvalues and corresponding eigenvectors?

4. Apr 29, 2012

micromass

Staff Emeritus
You also know another eigenvalue (hint: the rank of the matrix is m).

What are some eigenvectors of the eigenvalue 10?? What dimension is the space spanned by those eigenvectors?? Can you find other eigenvectors that extend it to a basis?

5. Apr 29, 2012

LovesToLearn

Since the rank is m, the matrix is not full rank. Therefore, is the other eigenvalue 0?

6. Apr 29, 2012

micromass

Staff Emeritus
Yes (except if n=m of course). Can you construct a basis of eigenvectors now?

7. Apr 29, 2012

LovesToLearn

So, for eigenvalue=0, you just find the kernel of matrix A and the span will be one of the eigenvectors? What about for eigenvalue=10?

8. Apr 29, 2012

micromass

Staff Emeritus
Ok, that made no sense. How can "the span" be one of the eigenvectors???

9. Apr 29, 2012

LovesToLearn

The span of the kernel is an eigenvector for the corresponding eigenvalue, is it not?

10. Apr 29, 2012

micromass

Staff Emeritus
What do you mean with "the span of the kernel"??

11. Apr 29, 2012

LovesToLearn

Okay, completely forgetting about the span, how else would you find the eigenvectors?