Solve for Eigenvector: Characteristic Equation of Matrix A with Solution Method

[johnnyboy2005]

hey, not sure how this works on this website but was just wondering if someone can tell me if I'm doing this right...

find characteristic equation of matrix

A=l 4 0 1 l
l -2 1 0l
l -2 0 1l

i found it to be (L=lambda)...

L^3 - 6L^2 + 11L - 6 = 0


only because i solved the matrix det(LI - A) and found that

=(L-4)[(L-1)(L-1)] -1[0 - (2)(L-1)] ...have i got this right? thanks for the help

 

[saltydog]

Yes, that's right. Or just say:

x^3-6x^2+11x-6=0

We use a formatting language called LaTex to format it in traditional form:

<br /> M=\left(<br /> \begin{array}{ccc} 4 &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \\<br /> -2 &amp; 1 &amp; 0 \\<br /> -2 &amp; 0 &amp; 1<br /> \end{array}<br /> \right)<br />

If you choose to post frequently here you may wish to learn it. Start by looking at the "General Physics" forum, top thread titled "Introducing LaTex".