Prove true or false eigenvalue question

[blockdummy]

Homework Statement

Prove true or false.

If A^2+A=0 then λ=1 may not be an eigenvalue.

Homework Equations

To find the eigenvalues of A I find the solutions to det(λ-A).

The definition of an eigenvalue from my understanding, AX = λX.

A(A+I) = 0

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm unable to find the connection between the restriction of A^2+A=0 and its effects on the eigenvalues.

Since A^2 + A =0 , I've thought of some matrices where this is true.

Scenarios:

A = 0

A =\begin{pmatrix}
-1\end{pmatrix}

A = \begin{pmatrix}
-1 & 0\\
0 & -1\end{pmatrix}

A = \begin{pmatrix}
-1 & -1\\
0 & 0\end{pmatrix}


It seems that when you have -1 on the diagonal the first equation holds true and the eigenvalues are -1 or 0. With that being said, this statement appears true, but I have no idea how to find scenarios which could be counterexamples nor do I have a formal proof if the statement is indeed true.

Clarification 1: Since I've only been able to find matrices with -1 (after reduction) on the diagonal to satisfy A^2 + A = 0, it appears that the eigenvalue will be always negative because when I find the characteristic polynomial its always in the form of (λ+1)^n which gives me a negative eigenvalue.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[tiny-tim]

(try using the X² button just above the Reply box

hi blockdummy! welcome to pf!

(try using the X² button just above the Reply box )

if 1 is an eigenvalue and x is the eigenvector, then (A² + A)x = … ?

 

[blockdummy]

Hmm...

(A² + A)x = (1)x

Is it correct to assume that both sides have the same eigenvector?

If so the x's cancel and... (A² + A) = 1 which is a contradiction. This doesn't seem correct since the only way this wouldn't be a contradiction would be if λ=0.

 

[tiny-tim]

hi blockdummy!

(A² + A)x = (1)x

nooo …

try again ​

If so the x's cancel …

how??

you can't divide by a vector!​