Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 1059Linear algebra › Matrices and linear systemsL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Powers of a nilpotent matrix

#nilpotent#powers#induction

Statement

Let
N=(010001000).N = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.
Compute N2N^2, N3N^3, and NkN^k for all k≥3k \ge 3.

Hint

Multiply NN by itself and observe the shift of the 11's.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

N2N^2.
N2=(010001000)(010001000)=(001000000).N^2 = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.

N3N^3.
N3=N2N=(001000000)(010001000)=(000000000).N^3 = N^2 N = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix} 0 & 1 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 1 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & 0 \end{pmatrix}.

Conclusion. N3=0N^3 = 0, hence Nk=0N^k = 0 for all k≥3k \ge 3. The matrix NN is nilpotent of index 33.