Matrices – Can Real and Complex Eigenvalues Be Compared?

complex numberseigenvalues-eigenvectorsmatrices

I'm calculating the eigenvalues of the matrix $\begin{pmatrix} 2 &0 &0& 1\\
0 &1& 0& 1\\
0 &0& 3& 1\\
-1 &0 &0 &1\end{pmatrix}$,

which are $1$,$3$, $\frac{3}{2}+\sqrt{3}i$ and $\frac{3}{2}-\sqrt{3}i$.

I wish to recognize the biggest and smallest of these. But how can I compare real and complex numbers?

Best Answer

In general, when talking about "largest" eigenvalue, we are usually talking about largest in absolute value (or magnitude,) where $|a+bi|=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$.

This means sometimes that there isn't one eigenvalue that is "largest", because two different eigenvalues can have the same absolute value.

As mentioned by others, complex numbers are not themselves ordered.

As mentioned in the comments below, if you know a matrix has only real eigenvalues, then the question of "largest" and "smallest" eigenvalues will depend on the context.

The "largest" eigenvalue for a matrix $A$ is often interesting, particularly when it is unique, because then for large $n$, $A^n$ is dominated by the action on the eigenvectors for those values. This is useful for putting bounds on $A^n\mathbf v$.

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