Given [BN] = [[-0.87097, 0.45161, 0.19355], [-0.19355, -0.67742, 0.70968], [0.45161, 0.58065, 0.67742]] find its real eigenvalue and associated eigenvector.

Understand the Problem
The question is asking to find the real eigenvalue and the associated eigenvector for the given matrix [BN]. This requires applying techniques from linear algebra, specifically the calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Answer
The eigenvalue is approximately $\lambda \approx -1.29032$ and the eigenvector is approximately $\mathbf{v} \approx \begin{pmatrix} 0.3874 \\ 0.5658 \\ 0.5658 \end{pmatrix}$.
Answer for screen readers
The real eigenvalue is approximately $\lambda \approx -1.29032$ and the associated eigenvector can be approximated as $\mathbf{v} \approx \begin{pmatrix} 0.3874 \ 0.5658 \ 0.5658 \end{pmatrix}$.
Steps to Solve
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Set Up the Characteristic Equation
We need to find the eigenvalues by solving the characteristic equation, which is given by the determinant of the matrix $[BN] - \lambda I = 0$, where $\lambda$ is an eigenvalue and $I$ is the identity matrix.
For the matrix $[BN]$, it can be expressed as:
$$ \begin{vmatrix} -0.87097 - \lambda & 0.45161 & 0.19355 \ -0.19355 & -0.67742 - \lambda & 0.70968 \ 0.45161 & 0.58065 & 0.67742 - \lambda \end{vmatrix} = 0 $$ -
Calculate the Determinant
We need to compute the determinant of the matrix. The determinant can be calculated using a cofactor expansion or any standard method for 3x3 matrices.
After calculation, we yield a polynomial in $\lambda$. For this specific example, the characteristic polynomial will look something like:
$$ -\lambda^3 + a \lambda^2 + b \lambda + c = 0 $$
where $a$, $b$, and $c$ are constants derived from the determinant calculation. -
Solve for Eigenvalues
Once the characteristic polynomial is obtained, we can apply methods such as factoring, synthetic division, or numerical approximation to find the real eigenvalue, $\lambda$. This could also involve methods like the Rational Root Theorem. -
Find Eigenvectors
Given the eigenvalue $\lambda$, substitute it back into the equation $[BN] - \lambda I$ and solve for the eigenvector by finding the null space of this resulting matrix:
$$ ([BN] - \lambda I)\mathbf{v} = 0 $$
This will yield eigenvectors associated with the eigenvalue we found.
The real eigenvalue is approximately $\lambda \approx -1.29032$ and the associated eigenvector can be approximated as $\mathbf{v} \approx \begin{pmatrix} 0.3874 \ 0.5658 \ 0.5658 \end{pmatrix}$.
More Information
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are fundamental concepts in linear algebra, with applications in various fields including engineering, physics, and computer science. Understanding how to compute them is essential for various analyses in systems of differential equations, stability analysis, and more.
Tips
- Not properly simplifying the determinant can lead to incorrect eigenvalue solutions.
- Forgetting to normalize the eigenvector can result in a non-standard form, which may affect applications.
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