Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 1053Linear algebra › Matrices and linear systemsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a 2×2 matrix

#eigenvalues#eigenvectors#characteristic polynomial

Statement

Find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of
A=(4123).A = \begin{pmatrix} 4 & 1 \\ 2 & 3 \end{pmatrix}.

Hint

The characteristic polynomial is det⁡(A−λI)=0\det(A - \lambda I) = 0. For each eigenvalue, solve (A−λI)v=0(A - \lambda I)v = 0.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Characteristic polynomial.
det⁡(A−λI)=∣4−λ123−λ∣=(4−λ)(3−λ)−2=λ2−7λ+10.\det(A - \lambda I) = \begin{vmatrix} 4-\lambda & 1 \\ 2 & 3-\lambda \end{vmatrix} = (4-\lambda)(3-\lambda) - 2 = \lambda^2 - 7\lambda + 10.
The roots are λ1=2\lambda_1 = 2 and λ2=5\lambda_2 = 5.

Eigenvector for λ=2\lambda = 2.
A−2I=(2121).A - 2I = \begin{pmatrix} 2 & 1 \\ 2 & 1 \end{pmatrix}.
The kernel is spanned by v1=(1,−2)v_1 = (1,-2).

Eigenvector for λ=5\lambda = 5.
A−5I=(−112−2).A - 5I = \begin{pmatrix} -1 & 1 \\ 2 & -2 \end{pmatrix}.
The kernel is spanned by v2=(1,1)v_2 = (1,1).

Conclusion. Eigenvalues 22 and 55, with eigenvectors (1,−2)(1,-2) and (1,1)(1,1) respectively.