Diagonalizing and expressing as A^k

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In summary, the conversation discusses diagonalizing a 2x2 matrix A and expressing its power Ak as an explicit 2x2 matrix in terms of functions. The solution involves finding the diagonal matrix D and the inverse matrix P, and using the formula Ak=PDkP-1 to express Ak in terms of functions. The final expression for Ak is shown to be A^k=\left(\begin{array}{cc}9*3^k-8*2^k & 6*3^k-6*2^k\\-12*3^k+12*2^k & -8*3^k+9*2^k\end{array}\right).
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SeannyBoi71
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Homework Statement


Let [tex] A=\left(\begin{array}{cc}11 & 6\\-12 & -6\end{array}\right) [/tex] and let k be a positive integer. By diagonalizing A, express Ak as an explicit 2x2 matrix in terms of k. Your answer should take the form [tex] A=\left(\begin{array}{cc}f_1 (k) & f_2 (k)\\f_3 (k) & f_4 (k)\end{array}\right) [/tex]

Homework Equations


P-1AP=D and Ak=PDkP-1.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't have a problem diagonalizing, I have a problem with expressing it in terms of functions (at least I think). I diagonalized normally and got [tex] P=\left(\begin{array}{cc}-3 & -2\\4 & 3\end{array}\right) [/tex] and [tex] D=\left(\begin{array}{cc}3 & 0\\0 & 2\end{array}\right) [/tex] After using the second formula above, I get [tex] A^k=\left(\begin{array}{cc}9*3^k-8*2^k & 6*3^k-6*2^k\\-12*3^k+12*2^k & -8*3^k+9*2^k\end{array}\right) [/tex] I am just not sure if this is "good enough" or even right? Is there some way I can combine this? Just want to double check my answer basically :smile:
 
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  • #3
Thank you :smile:
 

FAQ: Diagonalizing and expressing as A^k

What does it mean to diagonalize a matrix?

Diagonalizing a matrix means finding a new matrix that is similar to the original matrix, but with different basis vectors. This new matrix has the same eigenvalues as the original matrix, but the eigenvectors form the new basis. This simplifies calculations and makes it easier to solve systems of equations.

Why is diagonalization important?

Diagonalization is important because it allows us to easily calculate powers of a matrix. This can be useful in solving systems of linear equations, analyzing population growth, and understanding the behavior of dynamical systems.

How do you diagonalize a matrix?

To diagonalize a matrix, you need to find its eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Then, you can construct a matrix with the eigenvectors as columns and a diagonal matrix with the eigenvalues on the diagonal. Multiplying these two matrices together will give you the diagonalized form of the original matrix.

What is the difference between diagonalizing a matrix and expressing it as A^k?

Diagonalizing a matrix involves finding a new matrix that is similar to the original matrix, while expressing a matrix as A^k means finding the power of the matrix. Diagonalization allows us to easily calculate powers of a matrix, but expressing a matrix as A^k is useful for solving systems of linear equations and understanding the behavior of dynamical systems.

Does every matrix have a diagonalized form?

No, not every matrix can be diagonalized. A matrix can only be diagonalized if it has a complete set of eigenvectors. If there are not enough linearly independent eigenvectors, the matrix cannot be diagonalized. However, any matrix can be expressed as a power of a diagonal matrix, even if it cannot be diagonalized.

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