Solving for Matrix P that Satisfies D=P^{-1}AP

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In summary, the problem asks to find a matrix P that satisfies the equation D=P^{-1}AP, where A and D are similar matrices with given values. The solution involves finding the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of D, and using them to construct a diagonalizing matrix P for A.
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Homework Statement



Find a matrix P that satisfies D=P[itex]^{-1}[/itex]AP (A and D are similar)

A=

2 2 -1
1 3 -1
-1 -2 2

D=

1 0 0
0 1 0
0 0 5

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



OK, so I know how to find a matrix P for A, but I DONT know how to find the specific P that gets the specific A.. anyways here is my work so far

Since A and D are similar, e-values of D are the same as those of A

It is easy to find the e-values of D --> det([itex]\lambda[/itex]I-D)=0
so ([itex]\lambda[/itex]-1)([itex]\lambda[/itex]-1)([itex]\lambda[/itex]-5)=0
so e-values are 1, 1, 5

So I found e-vector of A using [itex]\lambda[/itex]=1

I did this by solving for vector x in: ([itex]\lambda[/itex]I-A)x=0

I found the following vector: x=t[-2, 1, 0]+w[1, 0, 1] where t and w are elements of the reals

doing the same for [itex]\lambda[/itex]=5 I get: x=t[-1 -1 1]

so a P for A (not necessarily the proper P) is

-2 1 -1
1 0 -1
0 1 1

Using the same procedure for D as for A above, I get a P for D to be

0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 1

This is where I have no idea what to do. I remember vaguely reading somewhere that the P in question is the matrix that transforms the P for A from above to the P for D

so I solve

P[itex]_{A}[/itex]P=P[itex]_{D}[/itex] and get the following as a matrix

0.25 0.50 0.25
0.75 0.50 0.75
0.25 -0.5 0.25

...but checking in D=P[itex]^{-1}[/itex]AP, the matrix P above isn't even invertible. Where did I go wrong? Thanks!
 
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  • #2


skyturnred said:
-2 1 -1
1 0 -1
0 1 1

Try applying this to A. The matrix P is known as the matrix that diagonalizes A. There isn't much point in trying to find a different matrix to diagonalize D.
 

FAQ: Solving for Matrix P that Satisfies D=P^{-1}AP

What is a matrix?

A matrix is a rectangular array of numbers or variables arranged in rows and columns. It is often used to represent linear equations and transformations in mathematics and science.

What does "Solving for Matrix P that Satisfies D=P^{-1}AP" mean?

This phrase refers to the process of finding a matrix P that, when multiplied by its inverse (P^{-1}) and then by matrix A, results in a new matrix D. This is known as the similarity transformation or diagonalization of matrix A.

Why is it important to solve for matrix P?

Solving for matrix P allows us to transform a given matrix A into a simpler form, where it is represented as a diagonal matrix D. This simplification can make it easier to perform calculations on the matrix and understand its properties.

How is the matrix P found?

The matrix P is found by solving for the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrix A. The eigenvalues are the diagonal entries of matrix D, and the eigenvectors are the columns of matrix P. P^{-1} is then found by taking the inverse of matrix P.

How is this concept used in science?

The concept of diagonalization is used in various fields of science, including physics, engineering, and computer science. It is used to simplify and solve systems of linear equations, analyze complex data sets, and model real-world systems such as circuits and chemical reactions.

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