Sum of eigenvectors of linear transformation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the values of \( a \in \mathbb{R} \) for which the vector space \( V = P_2(x) \) is the sum of eigenvectors of the linear transformation \( L: V \rightarrow V \) defined by \( L(u)(x) = (4+x)u(0) + (x-2)u'(x) + (1+3x+ax^2)u''(x) \). The eigenvalues of the transformation are \( \lambda_1 = 2 + 2a \), \( \lambda_2 = 3 \), and \( \lambda_3 = 2 \), with conditions \( a \neq 0 \) and \( a \neq \frac{1}{2} \). The corresponding eigenvectors are \( v_1 = \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ a \end{bmatrix} \), \( v_2 = \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix} \), and \( v_3 = \begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix} \), confirming that the eigenvectors span the three-dimensional vector space \( V \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear transformations and their properties
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors
  • Knowledge of polynomial spaces, specifically \( P_2(x) \)
  • Ability to perform matrix operations and determinants
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of eigenvectors and eigenvalues in linear algebra
  • Learn about the implications of a vector space being the sum of eigenvectors
  • Explore the concept of polynomial spaces and their dimensions
  • Investigate the application of linear transformations in different mathematical contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying linear algebra, eigenvalue problems, and polynomial vector spaces. This discussion is also beneficial for educators preparing coursework in these areas.

gruba
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Homework Statement


Find all values a\in\mathbb{R} such that vector space V=P_2(x) is the sum of eigenvectors of linear transformation L: V\rightarrow V defined as L(u)(x)=(4+x)u(0)+(x-2)u'(x)+(1+3x+ax^2)u''(x). P_2(x) is the space of polynomials of order 2.

Homework Equations


-Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

The Attempt at a Solution



First, we find the matrix of L (choose a standard basis \{1,x,x^2\}).

L(1)\Rightarrow L(u)(x)=0x^2+1x+4\Rightarrow [L(1)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 4 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

L(x)=0x^2+1x-2\Rightarrow [L(x)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> -2 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

L(x^2)=(2+2a)x^2+2x+2\Rightarrow [L(1)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 2 \\<br /> 2 \\<br /> 2+2a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}\Rightarrow [L]_{\mathcal{B}}= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 4 &amp; -2 &amp; 2 \\<br /> 1 &amp; 1 &amp; 2 \\<br /> 0 &amp; 0 &amp; 2+2a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

Next, we find eigenvalues and eigenvectors of [L]_{\mathcal{B}}:

\det([L]_{\mathcal{B}}-\lambda I)=(2+2a-\lambda)(\lambda-3)(\lambda-2)\Rightarrow eigenvalues are \lambda_1=2+2a,\lambda_2=3,\lambda_3=2,a\neq 0,a\neq \frac{1}{2}.

Corresponding eigenvectors are v_1=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix},v_2=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 2 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix},v_3=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}.

What does it mean that the space V is the sum of eigenvectors of L?
 
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gruba said:

Homework Statement


Find all values a\in\mathbb{R} such that vector space V=P_2(x) is the sum of eigenvectors of linear transformation L: V\rightarrow V defined as L(u)(x)=(4+x)u(0)+(x-2)u&#039;(x)+(1+3x+ax^2)u&#039;&#039;(x). P_2(x) is the space of polynomials of order 2.

Homework Equations


-Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

The Attempt at a Solution



First, we find the matrix of L (choose a standard basis \{1,x,x^2\}).

L(1)\Rightarrow L(u)(x)=0x^2+1x+4\Rightarrow [L(1)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 4 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

L(x)=0x^2+1x-2\Rightarrow [L(x)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> -2 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

L(x^2)=(2+2a)x^2+2x+2\Rightarrow [L(1)]= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 2 \\<br /> 2 \\<br /> 2+2a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}\Rightarrow [L]_{\mathcal{B}}= \begin{bmatrix}<br /> 4 &amp; -2 &amp; 2 \\<br /> 1 &amp; 1 &amp; 2 \\<br /> 0 &amp; 0 &amp; 2+2a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}

Next, we find eigenvalues and eigenvectors of [L]_{\mathcal{B}}:

\det([L]_{\mathcal{B}}-\lambda I)=(2+2a-\lambda)(\lambda-3)(\lambda-2)\Rightarrow eigenvalues are \lambda_1=2+2a,\lambda_2=3,\lambda_3=2,a\neq 0,a\neq \frac{1}{2}.

Corresponding eigenvectors are v_1=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> a \\<br /> \end{bmatrix},v_2=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 2 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix},v_3=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 1 \\<br /> 1 \\<br /> 0 \\<br /> \end{bmatrix}.

What does it mean that the space V is the sum of eigenvectors of L?
##V## is the span or linear hull of eigenvectors of ##L##. It means the eigenvectors of ##L## build a basis of the three dimensional vector space ##V=P_2(x)##. (Assuming your calculations are correct.)
 

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