Solving Eigenvalue Questions for 2x2 Matrix & nxn Matrix

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This discussion focuses on solving eigenvalue problems for both 2x2 matrices and nxn matrices. The user successfully demonstrates that for a 2x2 matrix A with eigenvalues L1 and L2, the inequality L1^2 + L2^2 ≤ a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2 holds true, leveraging the determinant and trace properties. Additionally, the user explores the implications of positive eigenvectors in nxn matrices, concluding that if the sum of each row equals 1, the associated eigenvalue is less than or equal to 1. The discussion highlights the conditions under which these inequalities hold.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Familiarity with matrix operations, specifically for 2x2 and nxn matrices
  • Knowledge of determinants and traces of matrices
  • Basic concepts of inequalities in algebra
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Mathematicians, students studying linear algebra, and anyone interested in eigenvalue theory and its applications in matrix analysis.

buzzmath
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I have two questions

1. If I have a 2x2 matrix A with entries a, b, c, d where a is the upper left corner, b upper right corner, c lower left, and d lower right. I have eigenvalues L1 and L2. I need to show that L1^2 + L2^2 <= a^2 + b^2 + c^2 + d^2. So far I've done this: I know det(A)=L1*L2 and that tr(A) = L1 + L2. So L1 + L2 = a + b square each side and get L1^2 + L2^2 +2*L1*L2 = a^2 + d^2 +2ad subtract 2*L1*L2 from each side and get L1^2 + L2^2 = a^2+d^2+2ad-2*L1*L2 where since L1*L2 is det(A) I have a^2+d^2 + 2ad-2ad+2bc thus L1^2 + L2^2 = a^2 + d^2 + 2bc. Now all I would really need to show is that 2bc <= b^2+c^2. I also need to know when this inequality is equal. Am I on the right track or does anyone have any advice?

2.If A is an nxn matrix where the sum of each row is 1 and all entires are positive. if v is an eigenvector of A with positive componentsShow the the associated eigenvalue is less than are equal to 1. Also, if we drop the requirement that the components of the eigenvector v be positive, is it still true that the associated eigenvalue is less than or equal to 1 in absolute value terms? Justify your answer. For this problem I was thinking I could consider the largest entry of v and take the corresponding entry in A. the largest that this A value could be is 1. If the value in v is less than 1 then the eigenvalue is then the most the eigenvalue could be is 1. If the value in v is 1 then the eigen value could be at most whatever the corresponding term in A is. If the value in v is greater than 1 then the eigenvalue is 1. I think I might be on the right track but I'm not really sure if this is a real clear/valid argument or if it's complete or how to put it together so it sounds lilke a clear proof. For the secone part I'm not really sure how to do it. Does anyone have any advice/help.

Thanks
 
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1. Very good so far. For any b, c, (b-c)^2= b^2- 2bc+ c^2\ge 0 so b^2+ c^2\ge 2bc. Of course, equality holds when b= c.
 
Thanks, I think I got the first one now. Any advice on the second one? Am I on the right track?
 

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