# Math Help - Prove that a matrix in NOT invertible if an eignvalue is 0

1. ## Prove that a matrix in NOT invertible if an eignvalue is 0

^^

Thank you very much!

2. Originally Posted by ishan
^^

Thank you very much!
In the basis that diagonalizes the matrix, the matrix can be written :

$\begin{pmatrix}
\lambda_1 & 0 & 0 &\ldots & 0 \\
0 & \lambda_2 & 0 & \ldots & 0 \\
0 & 0 & \lambda_3 & \ldots & 0 \\
\vdots & \vdots & \vdots & \ddots & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 & \ldots & \lambda_n \end{pmatrix}$

Where $\lambda_1, \dots, \lambda_n$ are the eigenvalues of the matrix.
The determinant in this base is obviously the product of the $\lambda_i$
So if one of the eigenvalues is 0, the determinant is 0.
And since the determinant doesn't change with the basis, we have proved that det A = 0, and hence it is not invertible.

Edit : waaaah 39th post

3. The determinant of a matrix is equal to the product of the eigenvalues. Hence the determinant is 0 and the matrix is not invertible.

4. If $A$ has $0$ as an eigenvalue then it means $A\bold{x} = 0\bold{x}$ for $\bold{x} \not = \bold{0}$.
Therefore, $A\bold{x} = \bold{0}$ for $\bold{x}\not = \bold{0}$.
This means $A$ is not invertible.