Can anyone explain to me why eigenvector here is like this

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding eigenvectors and eigenvalues for a matrix A, where the eigenvalues identified are 2, 12, and -6. A participant is confused about obtaining the eigenvector [0, 0, 1] for the eigenvalue -6, questioning its validity since multiplying it by the matrix results in the zero vector. It is clarified that the matrix used in calculations is actually A - (-6)I, leading to the conclusion that the kernel of this matrix should not consist solely of the zero vector. An eigenvector must be a non-zero vector, indicating that [0, 0, 1] is indeed valid as an eigenvector for the eigenvalue -6. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying the definition of eigenvectors in relation to the eigenvalue equation.
sozener1
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Im supposed to find the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of A

I found that eigenvalues are 2 12 and -6

then I found eigen vectors substituting -6 to lambda

and someone has told me I get 0 0 1 for eigenvector which I cannot understand why??

can anyone pleasezzzzzzzz explain why this is?
 

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Did you multiply this vector with your matrix? What do you get?
Does this fit to the definition of an eigenvector?
 
mfb said:
Did you multiply this vector with your matrix? What do you get?
Does this fit to the definition of an eigenvector?

I get 0 0 0

it doesn't fit with the definition of eigenvectors

so does that mean it should be 0 0 0 instead of 0 0 1??

I mean when you try to calculate for v3 = [ v1 v2 v3]


since the last row of the matrix is 0 0 0 should v3 come out as 0?? couldn't v3 be any number??
 
sozener1 said:
I get 0 0 0
That's not what I get.

The matrix you showed in the second attachment is not A. It is [A - (-6)I]. Of course if you multiply this matrix times your eigenvector, you'll get the zero vector.
sozener1 said:
it doesn't fit with the definition of eigenvectors

so does that mean it should be 0 0 0 instead of 0 0 1??

I mean when you try to calculate for v3 = [ v1 v2 v3]


since the last row of the matrix is 0 0 0 should v3 come out as 0?? couldn't v3 be any number??

Assuming that your eigenvalue is λ and that x is an as-yet unknown eigenvector for λ, what you're doing is solving the equation Ax = λx for x. That's equivalent to solving the equation (A - λI)x = 0. In other words, of finding the kernel of the matrix A - λI. This should be something that you have already learned to do.

The kernel here should not consist of only the zero vector - an eigenvector cannot be the zero vector.
 
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