Sunday, 23 June 2013

linear algebra - Can two matrices with the same characteristic polynomial have different eigenvalues?



The polynomial is λ3+3λ2



which factorizes into (λ1)(λ+1)(λ2)



A matrix A has the above characteristic polynomial, and so its eigenvalues are 1, -1, and 2.




However, another matrix B, already in diagonal form, has the same characteristic polynomial, but with eigenvalues 1,1,-2, i.e., diagonal entries 1,1,-2.



Is this possible? Or have I gone wrong in my computations?



The problem statement does ask to show that the characteristic polynomials are the same but that the matrices A and B are not similar. So, perhaps I have found exactly what I needed, but it just seems weird...



Thanks,


Answer



λ3+3λ2=(λ1)2(λ+2)(λ1)(λ+1)(λ2).


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