Why Is My Matrix Not Diagonalizing Correctly?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the diagonalization of a matrix as part of a larger problem involving the computation of e^A, where A is a 3x3 matrix. The original poster expresses difficulty in achieving the correct diagonal form despite having calculated eigenvectors and attempted the diagonalization process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster shares their eigenvector calculations and the resulting diagonal matrix D, questioning the correctness of their diagonalization process. Participants discuss the formulation of the matrix P and its inverse, P^(-1), and the order of operations in the diagonalization process.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the steps involved in the diagonalization process. One participant confirms the correctness of the original poster's inverse matrix, while another points out an error in the order of matrix multiplication that led to the incorrect diagonal result. The discussion appears to be productive, with guidance being provided to correct misunderstandings.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates a level of frustration with what they perceive as a simple mistake, suggesting that they are under pressure to resolve the problem accurately. The discussion highlights the importance of careful attention to the order of operations in matrix multiplication.

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Homework Statement


This is part of a larger problem of finding [tex]e^A[/tex], where [tex] <br /> <br /> A = \left[ \begin{array}{ccc} 0 & 0 & -2 \\ 1 & 2 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & 3 \end{array} \right]<br /> [/tex]


Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution




I generally have no problems with diagonalising a matrix, however, in this case I just can't seem to get it to work. I've got the eigenvectors to be [tex](-1, 0, 1)^T, (0, 1, 0)^T, (-2, 1, 1)^T[/tex]

Once carried through the steps of finding [tex]P, A, P^{-2}[/tex] and finding the diagonal, I come out with

[tex]D = \left[ \begin{array}{ccc} 2 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 2 & 2 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \end{array} \right][/tex]

I've checked it on wolframalpha and on maple and both confirm that my inverse is correct and following through the multiplication both come out with the same result. Chances are I've just made a silly mistake somewhere. Can someone help me spot it?

Thankyou
 
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You mean you did D=P^(-1)AP where P is the matrix whose columns are the eigenvectors, right? I did the same thing and got D=diag(2,2,1). What did you get for P^(-1)?
 
Sorry, I did mean [tex]P^{-1}[/tex]

Which I had as:

[tex] <br /> \left[ \begin{array}{ccc} 1 & 0 & 2 \\ 1 & 1 & 1 \\ -1 & 0 & -1 \end{array} \right][/tex]
 
Looks right.

With P:
[tex]\left[ \begin{array}{ccc} -1 & 0 & -2 \\ 0 & 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 & -1 \end{array} \right] [/tex]

I get P^(-1)AP=diag(2,2,1). I do notice that if I do PAP^(-1) I get your off diagonal result D. That's not the right order.
 
Last edited:
Oh, yes, it was down to wrong order. Very silly!

Thanks for clearing that up
 

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