Understanding Eigenvectors: Solving for Eigenvalues and Corresponding Vectors

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the topic of eigenvectors and eigenvalues, specifically focusing on understanding the kernel and range of a linear transformation represented by matrix \( T \). Participants are exploring the implications of eigenvalues and their corresponding eigenvectors in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to clarify the definitions and implications of the kernel and range of the transformation \( T \). There are questions about the basis of eigenvectors for these subspaces and whether it is appropriate to discuss eigenvectors in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with various interpretations being explored regarding the kernel and range of \( T \). Some participants have provided guidance on the dimensionality of these spaces and the linear independence of eigenvectors corresponding to distinct eigenvalues. There is an ongoing examination of the definitions and properties related to the kernel and range.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the constraints of the problem, including the definitions of kernel and range, and the implications of semisimplicity (diagonalizability) of the transformation \( T \). There is a focus on the dimensionality of the kernel and range as well as the nature of eigenvectors.

squenshl
Messages
468
Reaction score
4
Homework Statement
Let ##\mathbb{R}^3\mapsto \mathbb{R}^3## be given by $$T\begin{pmatrix}
x \\
y \\
z
\end{pmatrix} := \begin{pmatrix}
x+y-2z \\
2x-2z \\
y-x
\end{pmatrix}.$$

1. Give a basis of eigenvectors for ##\text{ker}(T)##.
2. Give a basis of eigenvectors for ##\text{ran}(T)##.
Relevant Equations
None
Okay so I found the eigenvalues to be ##\lambda = 0,-1,2## with corresponding eigenvectors ##v =
\begin{pmatrix}
1 \\
1 \\
1
\end{pmatrix},
\begin{pmatrix}
1 \\
0 \\
1
\end{pmatrix},
\begin{pmatrix}
1 \\
1 \\
0
\end{pmatrix}
##.
Not sure what to do next. Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What are ##\ker T## and ##\operatorname{im}T##?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Cryo
squenshl said:
1. Give a basis of eigenvectors for ##\text{ker}(T)##.
2. Give a basis of eigenvectors for ##\text{ran}(T)##.
I don't think it makes sense to talk about a basis of eigenvectors for ##\text{ker}(T)## and ##\text{ran}(T)##.
It's more usual for a problem to ask for a basis for each of these subspaces.
 
If ##T## is semisimple (diagonalizable) then we can find a basis of eigenvectors, in any case generalized eigenvectors. He has even calculated them already.
 
Ok so the kernel of ##T## is ##(x,y,z)## such that ##T(x,y,z)=0## & this only occurs when we have ## (1,1,1)## so I guess that is the basis for the kernel right?
 
So the basis for the range of ##T## are the other two eigenvectors.
 
Yes. But ##(1,1,1)## is not the only vector, all multiples are as well sent to zero. If the kernel is one dimensional, then the range is two dimensional. The other two eigenvectors are in the range. Now do they span the range? Or more generally: Are eigenvectors to distinct eigenvalues always linearly independent, and why?
 
Right the basis for the kernel is the span of ##(1,1,1)##. Yes eigenvectors are linearly independent so they do span the range thanks!
 
squenshl said:
Right the basis for the kernel is the span of (1,1,1).
A basis for the kernel is the vector <1, 1, 1>, not the span of this vector. ##\text{Ker} (T)## is the set of all constant multiples of <1, 1, 1>; i.e., the span of <1, 1, 1>.
 
  • #10
Notice that for ##x ## the kernel ##Ax=0 = \lambda 0 ## for any ## \lambda ##
 

Similar threads

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