Solving Eigenvector Problems: A+B and AB with Corresponding Eigenvalues

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jennifer1990
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Eigenvector
Jennifer1990
Messages
55
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Suppose that v is an eigenvector of both A and B with corresponding eigenvalues lambda and mui respectively. Show that v is an eigenvector of A+B and of AB and determine the corresponding eigenvalues


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Av = lambda*v
Bv = mui*v
this is all i can think of...can someone give me a hint abt the next step?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Add the two equations together, tada! Of course, you'll need to exploit associativity... or linearity... man I am always getting terms confused.
 
Last edited:


u mean like:
(Av +Bv) = lambda*v + mui*v
(A+B)v = (lambda + mui) v
 


Yup! As for finding the eigenvalues of AB, simply multiply AB by v and remember that your eigenvalues are scalars that can move freely.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
Back
Top