Proving Equality of Inverse Diagonalizable Matrix with Eigenvalues of 1 and -1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a diagonalizable matrix \( A \) with eigenvalues of either 1 or -1 satisfies the condition \( A^{-1} = A \). Participants are exploring the properties of diagonal matrices and their inverses in the context of linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to compute the diagonal matrix raised to any power \( n \) and specifically consider the case when \( n = -1 \). There are inquiries about the implications of raising the eigenvalues to a power and how this relates to the matrix's inverse.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the properties of diagonal matrices and their inverses, noting that the inverse of a diagonal matrix with eigenvalues of 1 and -1 remains the same. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these properties without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of a homework problem, focusing on the mathematical properties of matrices without providing complete solutions. There are discussions about the clarity of LaTeX code used in the thread.

Dustinsfl
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Let A be a diagonalizable matrix whose eigenvalues are all either 1 or -1. Show that [tex]A^{-1}=A[/tex].

[tex]A=X\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}X^{-1}[/tex] and [tex]A^{-1}=X\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}^{-1}X^{-1}[/tex]

How do I show they are equal?
 
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How would you compute the diagonal matrix raised to any power n?
 


rock.freak667 said:
How would you compute the diagonal matrix raised to any power n?

[tex] A^n=X\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}^nX^{-1}<br /> [/tex]
 


He was asking how you compute/simplify

[tex]\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \lambda_1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \lambda_m<br /> \end{bmatrix}^n[/tex]
 


gabbagabbahey said:
He was asking how you compute/simplify

[tex]\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}^n[/tex]

Raise the diagonal terms by n since this just a diagonal matrix.
 


Right, so do that with [itex]n=-1[/itex]...what is [itex](\pm 1)^{-1}[/itex]?
 


gabbagabbahey said:
Right, so do that with [itex]n=-1[/itex]...what is [itex](\pm 1)^{-1}[/itex]?

I don't understand what you mean with your latex code
 


Dustinsfl said:
I don't understand what you mean with your latex code

It should be displaying properly now, try refreshing your page.
 


[tex](\pm 1)^{-1}=\pm 1[/tex]
 
  • #10


Right, so

[tex]\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}^{-1}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}[/tex]

...Plug that into your equation for [itex]A^{-1}[/itex]
 
  • #11


gabbagabbahey said:
Right, so

[tex]\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}^{-1}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \pm 1 & \cdots & 0 \\<br /> \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ <br /> 0 & \cdots & \pm 1<br /> \end{bmatrix}[/tex]

...Plug that into your equation for [itex]A^{-1}[/itex]

Ok I understand thanks.
 

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