Eigen Values and Eigen Vectors - GATE Study

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Some of the most used concepts in Linear Algebra and Matrix Algebra are Eigen Values and
Eigen Vectors. This makes Eigen Values and Eigen Vectors a very important concept in
Engineering Mathematics if you are appearing for GATE 2017. Download this free GATE
Study Material in PDF. Also useful for IES, BSNL, DRDO, BARC and other competitive exams.
A non zero vector X such that AX = X is said to be an Eigen vector (or)characteristic
vector and corresponding values of the scalar is said to be Eigen values (or)Latent roots
(or) characteristic roots.
I. e. AX = X
[A I]X = 0 system of homogenous linear equations
Since X is a non zero vector, the system should have a non zero solution
hence (A I) < n
|A I| = 0 Characteristic equation of A
a11
a12
a
a22
ie | 21
:
an1
an2

a13 .
a23 .

a1n
a2n

an3 .

ann

|=0

= (1)n [a0 n + a1 n1 + a2 n2 + . an ] = 0
So = 1 , 2 , 3 n are Eigen values

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i. For Diagonal, Upper, lower and scalar matrices the diagonal elements becomes the Eigen
value
a b
ii. Let A = [
] then characteristic equation is given by 2 trace(A) + |A| = 0
c d
a11 a12 a13
a
iii. Let A = [ 21 a22 a23 ] then characteristic equation is given by
a31 a32 a33
3
+ trace(A)2 (M11 + M22 + M33 ) + |A| = 0
Here M11 , M22 and M33 are the minors of the elements a11 , a22 and a33 respectively.
iv. For even order coefficient of n = 1 and for odd order the coefficient of n = 1.
v. The constant term in characteristic equation is always represents the determinant of a
matrix.
vi. The sum of Eigen values of a matrix is equal to the trace of a matrix whereas product of
eigen values is equal to Determinant of a matrix.
vii. If is Eigen value of a Matrix A then
i. K is Eigen value of (KA)
ii. K is the Eigen value of AK
iii. ( K) are the Eigen values of (A K)
a0 + a1 + a2 2 is an Eigen value of (a0 + a1 A + a2 A2 )
viii. If is an Eigen values of a non singular matrix A, then
i.
ii.

is the Eigen value of (A1 )

|A|

is the Eigen value of (AdjA)

1

iii. If is an Eigen value of an orthogonal matrix then becomes the

another Eigen value of the same matrix
iv. Eigen values of A and AT are same
ix. If a + b (or)a + b is an Eigen value of a matrix A then (a ib)(or)a + b is also
Eigen value of matrix A.
x. The Eigen vectors corresponds to distinct Eigen values of a matrix are linearly
independent
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xi. The Eigen values of a symmetric matrix the Eigen values are either zero (or) purely imaginary.
xii. The Eigen values of an orthogonal matrix are of unit modulus i. e. || = 1

:
Every Square matrix satisfies its own characteristic equation i. e.
|A I| = (1)n [a0 n + a1 n1 + a2 n2 + . an ]
is the characteristic polynomial then a0 An + a1 An1 + a2 An2 + an I = 0

:
2
Find the Eigen values and Eigen vectors of the matrix given below A = [
4
:
Trace of A = 2 + 2 = 4
Determinant of A = |A| = (2 2) (4 4) = 12
Characteristic equation, |A I| = 0
2 Trace (A) + |A| = 0
2 4 12 = 0
( 6) ( + 2) = 0 = 2 (or) 6
Hence Eigen values are 1 = 2 and 2 = 6
If = 2 then
AX = X
[

x1
2 4 x1
] [x ] = 2 [x ]
2
4 2 2

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4
]
2

 2x1 + 4x2 = 2x1 x1 + x2 = 0

4x1 + 2x2 = 2x2 x1 + x2 = 0
Let x1 = k1 then x2 = k1
X=[

k1
1
] = k1 [ ]
k1
1

If = 6 then
AX = X
[

x1
2 4 x1
] [x ] = 6 [x ]
2
4 2 2

2x1 + 4x2 = 6x1 x1 = x2

4x1 + 2x2 = 6x2 x1 = x2
If x1 = k 2 then x2 = k 2
X=[

k2
1
] = k2 [ ]
k2
1

Since the Eigen values are different, the two Eigen vectors are linearly independent.

1 1 0
If [1 0 1]T is an Eigen vector of a matrix [1 2 1] . Then find the corresponding
0 2 1
Eigen value of the matrix.
:
We know that AX = X
1 1 0
Here A = [1 2 1] and X = [1
0 2 1

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]T

0 1

1
=[ 0 ]
1

1 1 0
1
1
[1 2 1] [ 0 ] = [ 0 ]
0 2 1
1
1
1+0+0
1
[1 + 0 + 1] = [ 0 ]
0+01
1
1
1
[ 0 ] = [ 0 ]
1
1
= 1
Hence corresponding Eigen value is = 1

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