Math 2406: Abstract Vector Spaces

Lecture 20 Plan  (Thursday, November 1, 2007).

Apostol 6.5-6.8.

Today we learn why any linear transformation of a space with complex scalars has an eigenvalue . Next we sketch the triangularization theorem, which  has a long proof, but one which lets us practice our concepts of bases, and matrix representations. Finally we learn how to compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors, along the way defining the characteristic polynomial (for eigenvalues), and using the null space (for eigenvectors).

Review:

1. Why doesn't the proof of Theorem 6.4 work if we have real scalars?
2. If T:R^2 to R^2 is given by [0 1; -1 0], it can't be triangularized as mentioned in Thm. 6.5. Why not?
3. Does the zero matrix have any eigenvalues or eigenvectors?

No homework due November 8.

Practice problems for Quiz  Thursday, November 8, 2007.

(Not to be handed in; instead, to be discussed in office hours: 11-12 Tuesday 11/6, 10-11 Wednesday 11/7)

Apostol 4.4: 10, 14, 22, 30.
Apostol 4.8: 10, 19, 29, 31.
Apostol 4.12: 2, 3, 8, 13, 19.


Homework 9 due at 5 p.m. Thursday, November 15, 2007.

1. Apostol 6.4 Exercise 6.
2. Apostol 6.4 Exercise 7.
3. Apostol 6.10 Exercise 8.
4. Apostol 6.10 Exercise 13.
5. Apostol 6.12 Exercise 1.
6. Apostol 6.12 Exercise 8.