Exercise 1776Linear algebra › Matrices and linear systemsL1Added 3 Nov 2026
Signature of a quadratic form
#quadratic form#signature#diagonalization
Statement
Determine the signature of the quadratic form
Hint
Use the change of variables , , , or diagonalize the symmetric matrix.
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Solution
Symmetric matrix.
Eigenvalues. The eigenvalues of the matrix are (eigenvector ) and (multiplicity , eigenspace ). So the eigenvalues of are (multiplicity ) and (multiplicity ).
Signature. One positive, two negative. Signature: .
Remark. In the basis , , , the form becomes .