Solved Problems on Eigenvalues

Differential equations and systems of differential equations are frequently employed in natural sciences and engineering. Their solution leads to the eigenvalues problem. As a result, the problem of eigenvalues is essential in linear algebra. The subject of eigenvalues and linear and quadratic eigenvalue problems focuses on the QR technique for the asymmetrical and the min-max characterisation for the symmetrical case when addressing the linear problem of eigenvalues. We address linearisation and variational characterisation when examining quadratic issues of eigenvalues. We use real-life examples to demonstrate everything.

Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

A·v=λ·v

A is an n-by-n matrix, v is a non-zero n-by-1 vector, and λ is a scalar in this equation (real or complex). An eigenvalue of the matrix A is any value of λ for which this equation has a solution. It’s also called the characteristic value. An eigenvector is the vector that corresponds to this value, v. The problem of eigenvalues can be expressed as:

A·v-λ·v=0

A·v-λ·I·v=0

(A-λ·I)·v=0

This equation will only have a solution if v is non-zero.

|A-λ·I|=0

This solved problem on eigenvalues is A’s characteristic equation, and it is an nth order polynomial in λ with n roots. The eigenvalues of A are the names given to these roots. Though they may be repeated, we shall only deal with the case of n unique roots. There will be an eigenvector for each eigenvalue for which the eigenvalue equation is true.

Properties of Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors

1. If and only if λ≠0 is an eigenvalue value of matrix A, the matrix is unique.

or

None of the eigenvalues of matrix A is equal to zero if it is invertible.

2. If λ is an eigenvalue of matrix A and X is its corresponding eigenvector, then matrix An’s eigenvalue is λn and its corresponding eigenvector is X.

The determinant of a matrix is equal to the product of all its eigenvalues.

3. A matrix’s trace equals the sum of its eigenvalues (the sum of all entries in the main diagonal).

4. Matrix A and its transpose have the same eigenvalues.

5. If A is a square invertible matrix with λ as the eigenvalue and X as the corresponding eigenvector, then 1/λ is the eigenvalue of A-1 and X is the corresponding eigenvector.

6. If λ is an eigenvalue of matrix A and X a corresponding eigenvector, then λ−t, where t is a scalar, is an eigenvalue of A−tI and X is a corresponding eigenvector. Here, I is the identity matrix.

Different Methods to Determine Eigenvalues

The eigenvalue can be calculated using a variety of ways. Some approaches allow you to find all of the eigenvalues, while others only allow you to locate a few of them.

Because they are statistically unstable, methods based on first obtaining the characteristic polynomial coefficients and then determining the eigenvalue by solving algebraic equations are rarely used. Rounding errors in the coefficients of the polynomial equation and numerical instability create substantial eigenvalue inaccuracies. As a result, the characteristic polynomial is primarily of theoretical interest.

In reality, the methods based on the direct applications of the characteristic polynomial are only used when the characteristic polynomial is well-conditioned.

How to Determine the Eigenvalues of the 2×2 Matrix

• Setup characteristic equation using the variable |A − λI| = 0.

• Now, solve the characteristic equation to get eigenvalues (2 eigenvalues for the 2×2 matrix system).

• Change the eigenvalues to the two equations denoted by A − λI.

• Now pick a convenient value for the equation x1, and then find x2.

• Now, the resulting values make alternating eigenvectors of A.

There is no one eigenvector formula. Instead, we must go through a series of processes to determine the eigenvectors and eigenvalues.