Thread: Linear Algebra eigenvalues help

2 questions i need help with:

1.Show that if a 6x6 matrix A has a negative determinant, then A has at least one positive eigenvalue (Hint: sketch the graph of the characteristic polynomial)

2. Consider an eigenvalue lambda of an nxn matrix A. we know that lambda is an eignvalue of Atranspose as well (since A and Atranspose have the same characteristic polynomial). Compare the geometric multiplicities of lambda as an eignvalue of A and A transpose

Originally Posted by satweety12

2 questions i need help with:

1.Show that if a 6x6 matrix A has a negative determinant, then A has at least one positive eigenvalue (Hint: sketch the graph of the characteristic polynomial)

Well, have you sketched the graph? Perhaps more simply, the characteristic polynomial will be of the form . When . But for sufficiently large positive .

In fact, the same kind of argument shows that A has at least one postive eigenvalue also.

As for the graph, just think of a parabola with y-intercept below the x-axis.

2. Consider an eigenvalue lambda of an nxn matrix A. we know that lambda is an eignvalue of Atranspose as well (since A and Atranspose have the same characteristic polynomial). Compare the geometric multiplicities of lambda as an eignvalue of A and A transpose

Yes, A and its transpose have the same eigenvalues. What can you say about the corresponding eigenvectors?

Hint: has eigenvalues 1 and 2. What are its corresponding eigenvectors?

Its transpose, also has eigenvalues 1 and 2. What are its corresponding eigenvectors?