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Exercise 460Linear algebra › Eigenvalues and diagonalisationHigh schoolAdded 3 Nov 2026

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a 2×2 matrix

#eigenvalues#eigenvectors#characteristic polynomial

Statement

Find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of
A=(3102).A = \begin{pmatrix} 3 & 1 \\ 0 & 2 \end{pmatrix}.

Hint

The matrix is upper triangular, so the eigenvalues are the diagonal entries. For each eigenvalue, solve (A−λI)v=0(A-\lambda I)v=0.

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Solution

Eigenvalues. AA is upper triangular with diagonal entries 33 and 22, so the eigenvalues are λ1=3\lambda_1=3 and λ2=2\lambda_2=2.

Eigenvector for λ=3\lambda=3.
A−3I=(010−1).A-3I = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 \\ 0 & -1 \end{pmatrix}.
The kernel is given by y=0y=0, so an eigenvector is v1=(1,0)v_1=(1,0).

Eigenvector for λ=2\lambda=2.
A−2I=(1100).A-2I = \begin{pmatrix} 1 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.
The kernel is given by x+y=0x+y=0, so an eigenvector is v2=(1,−1)v_2=(1,-1).

Conclusion. Eigenvalues 33 and 22, with eigenvectors (1,0)(1,0) and (1,−1)(1,-1).