[Math] How to calculate generalized eigenvectors

eigenvalues-eigenvectorslinear algebramatrices

I have the matrix

$$A=\begin{pmatrix} 5 & 1 & 0\\ 0 & 5 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 5 \end{pmatrix}$$

and I should determine generalised eigenvectors, if they exist.

I found one eigenvalue with algebraic multiplicity $3$.

$$\lambda=5$$

I calculated two eigenvectors:

$$\vec{v_{1}} =\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}, \qquad{}
\vec{v_{2}} =\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 0 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$$

Also, I know this formula for generalized vector

$$\left(A-\lambda I\right)\vec{x} =\vec{v}$$

Finally, my question is:

How do I know how many generalised eigenvectors I should calculate?

For every eigenvector one generalised eigenvector or?

My university book is really confusing, and I saw there that they calculated generalised eigenvector only for some eigenvectors, and for some not. But I don't understand how to know that.

Best Answer

Your matrix is in Jordan normal form. You can read on the matrix that $e_1$ and $e_3$ are eigenvectors for the eigenvalue $2$, and $e_2$ is a generalised eigenvector.