[Math] Find the eigenvalues and corresponding eigen vectors of the matrix

eigenvalues-eigenvectorslinear algebra

Find the eigenvalues and corresponding eigen vectors of the matrix $\begin{bmatrix}-3&6&-43\\0&-1&9\\0&0&2\end{bmatrix}$

The eigenvalue $\lambda_1 = $____ corresponds to the eigevector$( \ ,\ , \ )$.

The eigenvalue $\lambda_2 = $____ corresponds to the eigevector$( \ ,\ , \ )$.

The eigenvalue $\lambda_3 = $____ corresponds to the eigevector$( \ ,\ , \ )$.

I'm kind of stuck after a certain point. Here is what I have so far

I do know that $(A – \lambda I)X = 0$

so $\begin{bmatrix}-3&6&-43\\0&-1&9\\0&0&2\end{bmatrix}$ $\implies \lambda_1 = -3, \lambda_2 = -1, \lambda_3 = 2$ so I have the eigenvalues but how can I find the corresponding eigenvectors?

Best Answer

You start with the understanding of this formula: $(A-\lambda I)\vec x=0$, which is equivalent to $\det(A-\lambda I)=0$ $$\begin{vmatrix}-3-\lambda&6&-43\\0&-1-\lambda&9\\0&0&2-\lambda\end{vmatrix}=(-3-\lambda)(-1-\lambda)(2-\lambda)=0$$ Therefore, $\lambda_1=-3, \ \lambda_2=-1, \ \lambda_3=2$.
Let's do one example for eigenvectors:
Plug in the value of $\lambda$ into the augmented form of the matrix:
With $\lambda_1=-3$, $$\left[\begin{array}{ccc|c}-3-(-3)&6&-43&0\\0&-1-(-3)&9&0\\0&0&2-(-3)&0\end{array}\right]=\left[\begin{array}{ccc|c}0&6&-43&0\\0&2&9&0\\0&0&5&0\end{array}\right]$$ Solve this matrix and get $v_1=\begin{bmatrix}1\\0\\0\end{bmatrix}$
Now you can use similar approach to find the eigenvectors of the next two eigenvalues.

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