What are the eigenvalues of the 3x3 matrix [2 2 1; 1 3 1; 2 2 2]?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the eigenvalues of the 3x3 matrix [2 2 1; 1 3 1; 2 2 2]. A participant struggles with the long polynomial resulting from the determinant calculation and seeks assistance. Another user suggests factoring the polynomial instead of expanding it fully, which leads to identifying eigenvalues. Ultimately, the eigenvalues found are λ = 1 and λ = 5. The conversation highlights the importance of factoring in simplifying the process of finding eigenvalues.
mkay123321
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Ive been trying for 3 hours now and can't seem to find the eigenvalues, the long polynomials are getting me confused, the matrix is [2 2 1:1 3 1:1 2 2]




So far i did [2-L 2 1:1 3-L 1:1 2 2-L] then I do the normal way to find the determinant but after that I get a horrible polynomial. Please help anyone!

Thanks
 
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What horrible polynomial did you get? Multiply it out. It will be a cubic, but you can factor it. There's no way anyone can help until you show more of your work.
 
mkay123321 said:
Ive been trying for 3 hours now and can't seem to find the eigenvalues, the long polynomials are getting me confused, the matrix is [2 2 1:1 3 1:1 2 2]




So far i did [2-L 2 1:1 3-L 1:1 2 2-L] then I do the normal way to find the determinant but after that I get a horrible polynomial. Please help anyone!

Thanks

After taking the determinant, I get
(2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)

= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3

Instead of multiplying all that stuff out, factor the quadratic and the last two terms and notice that there is a common factor.

I get \lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5.
 
I get (2-L)((3-L)(2-L)-2) - 2((2-L)-1) + 2-(3-L)

2-L(4 - 3L - 2L - L^2) + 3L - 3 I tried doing all sorts of stuff to this, just can't get it.
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
After taking the determinant, I get
(2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)

= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3

Instead of multiplying all that stuff out, factor the quadratic and the last two terms and notice that there is a common factor.

I get \lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5.

Ahh I see now, thanks alot.
 
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