Exercise · ZW-CHARACTERISTIC-POLYNOMIAL-002 · ★☆☆ Basic

What is the characteristic polynomial of \(A=\begin{pmatrix}3&0\\0&5\end{pmatrix}\)?

Choose one option.

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  • D. \(\lambda^2-8\lambda+15\)

Explanation

\(\det(A-\lambda I)=(3-\lambda)(5-\lambda)=\lambda^2-8\lambda+15\).

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Review the concept: Characteristic polynomial

The characteristic polynomial \(p_A\) of a square matrix \(A\) is the determinant of the matrix minus a multiple \(\lambda I\) of the identity \(I\), viewed as a polynomial in the variable \(\lambda\).

\[p_A(\lambda)=\det(A-\lambda I)\]

More practice problems: characteristic polynomial

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