Polynomial Linear Transformation

In summary, we have a linear space of real polynomials of degree < n. The transformation T is defined as q(t) = p(t+1), and we are asked to prove that T has only the eigenvalue 1 and determine the eigenfunctions belonging to this eigenvalue. Using the condition p(t+1) = λp(t), we can determine that λ=1 and the eigenfunctions are nonzero constant polynomials. However, to prove this, we need to show that any other values of λ do not satisfy the condition and that only constant polynomials work when λ=1.
  • #1
Needhelpzzz
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Let V be the linear space of all real polynomials p(x) of degree < n. If p ∈ V, define q = T(p) to mean that q(t) = p(t + 1) for all real t. Prove that T has only the eigenvalue 1. What are the eigenfunctions belonging to this eigenvalue?

What I did was
T(p)= (lamda) p = q (Lamda) p(t+1) = q(t) (Lamda) p(t+1) = p(t+1)
(Lamda) = 1

Eigenfunctions are nonzero constant polynomials.

Is this right though?
 
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  • #2
Needhelpzzz said:
Let V be the linear space of all real polynomials p(x) of degree < n. If p ∈ V, define q = T(p) to mean that q(t) = p(t + 1) for all real t. Prove that T has only the eigenvalue 1. What are the eigenfunctions belonging to this eigenvalue?

What I did was
T(p)= (lamda) p = q (Lamda) p(t+1) = q(t) (Lamda) p(t+1) = p(t+1)
(Lamda) = 1

Eigenfunctions are nonzero constant polynomials.

Is this right though?

That may be right, but you certainly haven't proved it. What you have to work with is$$
p(t+1) = \lambda p(t)$$Surely ##\lambda = 1## and ##p(t) \equiv c## (a constant) satisfy that condition. But maybe some other ##\lambda## and ##p(t)## work too. You need to prove that ##\lambda## must equal ##1## and then show the only polynomials that work when ##\lambda =1## are constants.
 

FAQ: Polynomial Linear Transformation

What is a polynomial linear transformation?

A polynomial linear transformation is a type of mathematical function that maps one set of variables to another set of variables in a linear fashion. It is represented by a polynomial equation, where the variables are raised to a power and multiplied by a coefficient.

How is a polynomial linear transformation different from other types of transformations?

A polynomial linear transformation is different from other types of transformations, such as logarithmic or exponential transformations, because it follows a linear pattern and does not involve any exponential or logarithmic terms. This means that the output values increase or decrease at a constant rate.

What are some real-world applications of polynomial linear transformations?

Polynomial linear transformations have many real-world applications, such as in economics, physics, and engineering. For example, in economics, polynomial linear transformations are used to model supply and demand curves. In physics, they are used to describe the relationship between force and displacement. In engineering, they are used to model the behavior of materials under stress.

How do you determine if a polynomial linear transformation is a one-to-one function?

A polynomial linear transformation is a one-to-one function if each input value maps to a unique output value. This can be determined by graphing the function and checking if it passes the horizontal line test. If a horizontal line only intersects the graph once, then the function is one-to-one.

Can a polynomial linear transformation have a negative degree?

No, a polynomial linear transformation cannot have a negative degree. The degree of a polynomial is always a positive integer, representing the highest power of the variable in the equation. This is because negative degrees would result in non-linear terms, which would make the transformation non-linear.

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