[Math] Eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the zero matrix

determinantlinear algebra

Consider the zero matrix $M=o$.

Is it correct to say that $M$ then has no eigenvalues and eigenvectors? A natural guess for a candidate would be $\lambda=0$. It solves the characteristic equation $\det (M-\lambda \mathbb I)=0$. But there is no associated eigenvector, that is a nonzero vector $v$ such that:
\begin{equation}
Mv=\lambda v=0
\end{equation}
Hence no eigenvectors and no eigenvalues? Or would one say that 0 is an eigenvalue without a corresponding eigenvector?

Best Answer

All nonzero vectors are eigenvectors, since all vectors $v$ satisfy $Mv=0v$ if $M$ is the zero matrix.

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