Exercise · ZW-CHARACTERISTIC-POLYNOMIAL-006 · ★★☆ Intermediate

For \(A=\begin{pmatrix}4&1\\3&2\end{pmatrix}\), what is the constant term of \(p_A(\lambda)\)?

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  • C. \(5\)

Explanation

The constant term is \(p_A(0)=\det A=4\cdot2-1\cdot3=5\).

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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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