[Math] Finding eigenvalues if trace and determinant of the matrix is given

linear algebramatricesmatrix-calculus

Let $A$ be a $3\times 3$ matrix with real entries such that $\det(A)=6$ and $tr(A)=0$. If $\det(A+I)=0$ ($I$ denotes $3\times 3$ identity matrix), then the eigenvalues of $A$ are:
(i) $-1,2,3$;
(ii) $-1,2,-3$;
(iii) $1,2,-3$;
(iv) $-1,-2,3$.

If a,b,c are 3 eigenvalues then a+b+c=0 and abc=6 because sum of eigen values is trace and product is the determinant value. Then how to apply $\det(A+I)$?

Best Answer

Eigen values of $A+I$ are obtained by adding $1$ to the eigenvalues of $A$. So $\det(A+I)=0$ gives a third condition on them (besides $\det A = 6, \ \mathrm{tr\,}A=0$) and that should enable you to find the answer.