1. ## Nilpotent operator

Let $T:V\to V$ be linear transformation over field, and let $p$ be a polynomial over that field.
Prove that $p(T)$ nilpotent iff $p(0)=0$

Thanks!

2. Originally Posted by Also sprach Zarathustra
Let $T:V\to V$ be linear transformation over field, and let $p$ be a polynomial over that field.
Prove that $p(T)$ nilpotent iff $p(0)=0$

Thanks!
Since p is a polynomial, we can write $p(x) = \sum_{i=0}^n a_ix^i$. Now, note that $p(0) = a_0 , ~ p(0) = 0 \Rightarrow a_0 = 0$. Conclude by using the fact that T is nilpotent.

3. Originally Posted by Defunkt
Since p is a polynomial, we can write $p(x) = \sum_{i=0}^n a_ix^i$. Now, note that $p(0) = a_0 , ~ p(0) = 0 \Rightarrow a_0 = 0$. Conclude by using the fact that T is nilpotent.
Yes, I'm aware this fact.

i) [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] nilpotent.
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Above, sum of nilpotent operators [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] nilpotent.

ii) [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]
So, there exist [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] , index of nilpotents so that[LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]

4. Originally Posted by Also sprach Zarathustra
Yes, I'm aware this fact.

i) [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] nilpotent.
[LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]
Above, sum of nilpotent operators [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] nilpotent.
This is good.

ii) [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]
So, there exist [LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed] , index of nilpotents so that[LaTeX ERROR: Convert failed]
This needs some justifications (simple), and otherwise you are done.

5. Originally Posted by Also sprach Zarathustra
i) $p(0)=0 \implies p(T)$ nilpotent.
$p(T)=a_1T+a_2T^2+ \dots +T^n$
Above, sum of nilpotent operators $\implies p(T)$ nilpotent.
Maybe you should say "sum of commuting nilpotent operators $\implies p(T)$ nilpotent." It's not true in general that a sum of nilpotent operators is nilpotent.