Proving eigenvalues of a 2 x 2 square matrix

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of eigenvalues for a 2 x 2 square matrix, specifically addressing the implications of a matrix not having an inverse in relation to eigenvalue equations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the existence of an inverse and the eigenvalue equation, questioning why the equation may not hold if the matrix does not have an inverse.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered clarifications regarding the definition of eigenvalues and the conditions under which a matrix lacks an inverse. There is an ongoing exploration of the assumptions related to the nonzero nature of vectors involved in the eigenvalue equation.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of course notes being referenced rather than a textbook, which may contribute to the confusion regarding definitions and assumptions in the discussion.

member 731016
Homework Statement
Please see below
Relevant Equations
Please see below
For this,
1684972106439.png

Does someone please know why the equation highlighted not be true if ##(A - 2I_2)## dose not have an inverse?

Many thanks!
 
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ChiralSuperfields said:
Homework Statement: Please see below
Relevant Equations: Please see below

For this,
View attachment 327021
Does someone please know why the equation highlighted not be true if ##(A - 2I_2)## dose not have an inverse?

Many thanks!
You “take” the matrix to the other side of the equation by multiplying from the left each side of the equation by the inverse. If the inverse does not exist, one cannot multiply by it.
 
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Eigenvalues ##\lambda## for a matrix ##A##are defined to satisfy ##Det(A-\lambda I)=0##. This comes from ##Ax=\lambda x ##, so that ##(A-\lambda I )x=0 ##.
 
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@ChiralSuperfields, what textbook are you getting this stuff from? Your thread here seems related to two of you recent threads. As I mentioned before, finding eigenvalues of a matrix has nothing to do with finding the inverse of a matrix.

The definition of an eigenvalue (usually represented by ##\lambda##) is that for some specific vector ##\vec x##, ##A\vec x = \lambda \vec x##, or equivalently, ##(A - \lambda I)\vec x = \vec 0##. If we restrict ##\vec x## to nonzero vectors, it must be true that ##|A - \lambda I| = 0##. That means that ##A - \lambda I## does not have an inverse.

One other thing. Near the bottom of the attachment you posted it says
But by definition,
##\begin{bmatrix}x \\ y \end{bmatrix} \ne \begin{bmatrix}0 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix}##

Unless it was specifically stated that this vector was nonzero somewhere above what you posted in the attachment, the line I quoted makes no sense.
 
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Mark44 said:
@ChiralSuperfields, what textbook are you getting this stuff from? Your thread here seems related to two of you recent threads. As I mentioned before, finding eigenvalues of a matrix has nothing to do with finding the inverse of a matrix.

The definition of an eigenvalue (usually represented by ##\lambda##) is that for some specific vector ##\vec x##, ##A\vec x = \lambda \vec x##, or equivalently, ##(A - \lambda I)\vec x = \vec 0##. If we restrict ##\vec x## to nonzero vectors, it must be true that ##|A - \lambda I| = 0##. That means that ##A - \lambda I## does not have an inverse.

One other thing. Near the bottom of the attachment you posted it says

Unless it was specifically stated that this vector was nonzero somewhere above what you posted in the attachment, the line I quoted makes no sense.
Thank you for your replies @Frabjous , @WWGD , and @Mark44!

I understand now :) @Mark44, this is not from a textbook but course notes.

Many thanks!
 
ChiralSuperfields said:
this is not from a textbook but course notes.
It's hard to tell where they're going with these notes.
 
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