Solving Ax=b, when b is an eigenvector

  • Thread starter Thread starter azdang
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Eigenvector
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the convergence of the GMRES method for solving the equation Ax=b, specifically when b is an eigenvector of the matrix A. The context involves properties of nonsingular matrices and their minimal polynomials.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster explores the implications of b being an eigenvector and its effect on the convergence of GMRES, questioning the relationship between the minimal polynomial and the eigenvalue equation. Other participants discuss the potential for GMRES to find the solution in fewer iterations due to the properties of eigenvectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing insights and clarifications regarding the convergence of GMRES when b is an eigenvector. Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of their reasoning, while others provide affirmations that suggest a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the minimal polynomial's degree and its relationship to the convergence of GMRES, as well as the assumption that b is not equal to zero. The original poster questions whether A-\lambdaI is necessarily nonsingular, indicating a potential area of confusion or exploration.

azdang
Messages
80
Reaction score
0
Let A be a nonsingular matrix. What can you say about the convergence of GMRES to the solution of Ax=b when b is an eigenvector of A?

I know that if A is a nonsingular matrix with minimal polynomial of degree m, then GMRES solves Ax=b in at most m iterations.

Because b is an eigenvector of A then: (A-[tex]\lambda[/tex]I)b=0.

The only thing I've sort of come up with is that because b is an eigenvector, it cannot equal 0. At first I though that that implies that A-[tex]\lambda[/tex]I=0, but I'm thinking that that is not necessarily true. However, IF it is true that A-[tex]\lambda[/tex]I=0, I completely understand, because this would imply that the minimal polynomial is q(x)=x-[tex]\lambda[/tex]. This would be a minimal polynomial of degree 1, so GMRES would converge in 1 iteration. Can anyone help me out because I don't think this reasoning is correct, but I'm thinking that A-[tex]\lambda[/tex] is not necessarily nonsingular...or is it? Thank you!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Can anyone offer any insight?
 
I just read the Wikipedia page on GMRES. Perhaps I misinterpret, but it seems like GMRES sould solve [tex]Ax = b[/tex] in just one step if [tex]b[/tex] is an eigenvector, since the exact solution [tex]x = b/\lambda[/tex] is in the span of [tex]b[/tex] (i.e., the first Krylov subspace).
 
Oh wow! That makes so much sense and seems so obvious. Thank you!
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K