Repeated eigenvalues of a symmetric matrix

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the property of real symmetric matrices regarding eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenvectors. Specifically, it establishes that if a real symmetric matrix A has an eigenvalue λ with multiplicity m, then there exist m linearly independent eigenvectors associated with λ. The participants emphasize the importance of orthogonal diagonalization in proving this result, which is a fundamental characteristic of symmetric matrices.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of real symmetric matrices
  • Familiarity with orthogonal diagonalization
  • Basic linear algebra concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the proof of the spectral theorem for real symmetric matrices
  • Learn about the process of orthogonal diagonalization in linear algebra
  • Explore the implications of eigenvalue multiplicity on eigenvector independence
  • Investigate applications of symmetric matrices in various mathematical fields
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra, as well as researchers focusing on matrix theory and its applications.

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I have been trying to prove the following result:
If A is real symmetric matrix with an eigenvalue lambda of multiplicity m then lambda has m linearly independent e.vectors.
Is there a simple proof of this result?
 
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Do you know that symmetric matrices can be (orthogonally) diaganalised?
 
Robert1986 said:
Do you know that symmetric matrices can be (orthogonally) diaganalised?

That is the result I am trying to prove. Just need to show the result for repeated eigenvalue.
 

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