Find an eigenvector corresponding to the eigenvalue λ = 3 for A = [[2, 1], [1, 2]].
Solution
Problem
Step 1: Use the eigenvector equation.
For eigenvalue λ = 3, an eigenvector v satisfies:
(A - 3I)v = 0
Step 2: Form A - 3I.
A = [[2, 1], [1, 2]]
Subtract 3 from the diagonal entries:
A - 3I = [[-1, 1], [1, -1]]
Step 3: Write the corresponding system.
Let v = (x, y).
Then:
-x + y = 0
x - y = 0
These equations are equivalent.
Step 4: Solve the equation.
From:
-x + y = 0
we get:
y = x
Therefore, x can be any nonzero scalar, and y must equal x.
Step 5: Choose a convenient value.
Let x = 1.
Then:
y = 1
So one eigenvector is:
v = (1, 1)
Step 6: Verify the result.
Multiply A by v:
[[2, 1], [1, 2]](1, 1) = (3, 3)
Also:
3(1, 1) = (3, 3)
Therefore, (1, 1) is an eigenvector corresponding to λ = 3. Any nonzero scalar multiple of (1, 1) is also an eigenvector.
Result
One eigenvector is (1, 1).