What are the eigenvalues of the 3x3 matrix [2 2 1; 1 3 1; 2 2 2]?

In summary, the conversation discusses the difficulty of finding eigenvalues for a given matrix and the confusion caused by long polynomials. The person asking for help shares their work and the other person suggests factoring the quadratic and notice a common factor. Eventually, the solution of \lambda = 1 and \lambda = 5 is found.
  • #1
mkay123321
16
0
Ive been trying for 3 hours now and can't seem to find the eigenvalues, the long polynomials are getting me confused, the matrix is [2 2 1:1 3 1:1 2 2]




So far i did [2-L 2 1:1 3-L 1:1 2 2-L] then I do the normal way to find the determinant but after that I get a horrible polynomial. Please help anyone!

Thanks
 
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  • #2
What horrible polynomial did you get? Multiply it out. It will be a cubic, but you can factor it. There's no way anyone can help until you show more of your work.
 
  • #3
mkay123321 said:
Ive been trying for 3 hours now and can't seem to find the eigenvalues, the long polynomials are getting me confused, the matrix is [2 2 1:1 3 1:1 2 2]




So far i did [2-L 2 1:1 3-L 1:1 2 2-L] then I do the normal way to find the determinant but after that I get a horrible polynomial. Please help anyone!

Thanks

After taking the determinant, I get
[itex](2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)[/itex]

[itex]= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3 [/itex]

Instead of multiplying all that stuff out, factor the quadratic and the last two terms and notice that there is a common factor.

I get [itex]\lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5[/itex].
 
  • #4
I get (2-L)((3-L)(2-L)-2) - 2((2-L)-1) + 2-(3-L)

2-L(4 - 3L - 2L - L^2) + 3L - 3 I tried doing all sorts of stuff to this, just can't get it.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Mark44 said:
After taking the determinant, I get
[itex](2 - \lambda)(6 - 5\lambda + \lambda^2 - 2) - (4 - 2\lambda - 2) + 2 - (3 - \lambda)[/itex]

[itex]= (2 - \lambda)(\lambda^2 - 5\lambda + 4) + 3\lambda - 3 [/itex]

Instead of multiplying all that stuff out, factor the quadratic and the last two terms and notice that there is a common factor.

I get [itex]\lambda = 1~and~\lambda = 5[/itex].

Ahh I see now, thanks alot.
 

FAQ: What are the eigenvalues of the 3x3 matrix [2 2 1; 1 3 1; 2 2 2]?

What are eigenvalues and eigenvectors?

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are important concepts in linear algebra. Eigenvalues are scalar values that represent how a particular linear transformation stretches or compresses a vector. Eigenvectors are the corresponding vectors that are only scaled by the transformation, but do not change direction.

Why are eigenvalues important in a 3x3 matrix?

In a 3x3 matrix, the eigenvalues and eigenvectors can provide information about how the matrix will affect a vector in 3-dimensional space. They can also reveal important properties of the matrix, such as whether it is invertible or not.

How do you calculate eigenvalues of a 3x3 matrix?

The eigenvalues of a 3x3 matrix can be calculated by solving the characteristic polynomial of the matrix. This involves finding the roots of the polynomial, which will give the eigenvalues.

What is the relationship between eigenvalues and determinants?

The eigenvalues of a 3x3 matrix can be found by taking the determinant of the matrix and solving the characteristic polynomial. The determinant is also equal to the product of the eigenvalues, providing a useful relationship between the two concepts.

How are eigenvalues used in real-world applications?

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors have numerous applications in science and engineering. They are commonly used in data analysis, image processing, and physics to find patterns and important features in complex systems. They are also used in machine learning algorithms and simulations of physical systems.

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