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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the eigenvalues of a 3x3 matrix, specifically the matrix [2 2 1; 1 3 1; 2 2 2]. Participants are exploring the process of calculating the determinant and the resulting polynomial.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss their attempts to compute the determinant of the matrix and express confusion over the resulting polynomial. Some are seeking clarification on how to factor or simplify the polynomial, while others are questioning the steps taken in their calculations.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exchange of ideas, with some participants providing guidance on factoring the polynomial and suggesting that others share more of their work for better assistance. Multiple interpretations of the determinant calculation are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention struggling with the complexity of the polynomial and the time spent on the problem, indicating a potential lack of clarity in the initial setup or assumptions about the calculations involved.

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
[itex](2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)[/itex]

[itex]= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3[/itex]

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 [itex]\lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5[/itex].
 
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
[itex](2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)[/itex]

[itex]= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3[/itex]

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 [itex]\lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5[/itex].

Ahh I see now, thanks a lot.
 

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