Exercise · ZW-EIGENSPACE-009 · ★★★ Advanced

The characteristic polynomial of a \(3\times 3\) matrix is \((\lambda-2)^2(\lambda-5)\). What is the dimension of the eigenspace of \(\lambda=5\)?

Choose one option.

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  • C. \(1\)

Explanation

The dimension of \(E_\lambda\) is at least 1 and at most the multiplicity of the root; for \(\lambda=5\) (a simple root) it can only be 1.

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Review the concept: Eigenspace

The eigenspace \(E_\lambda\) of a square matrix \(A\) for the eigenvalue \(\lambda\) is zero together with the eigenvectors of \(\lambda\), where \(I\) is the identity of the size of \(A\).

\[E_\lambda=\ker(A-\lambda I)\]

More practice problems: eigenspace

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