Prove that if A is idempotent, i.e. that A? = A, then either A = I or A is singular. %3D

Advanced Engineering Mathematics
10th Edition
ISBN:9780470458365
Author:Erwin Kreyszig
Publisher:Erwin Kreyszig
Chapter2: Second-order Linear Odes
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**Proof of Idempotent Matrix Properties**

**Statement:**

Prove that if \( A \) is idempotent, i.e., that \( A^2 = A \), then either \( A = I \) or \( A \) is singular.

**Explanation:**

An idempotent matrix is one that satisfies the condition \( A^2 = A \). The goal is to demonstrate that for such a matrix \( A \), it must either be the identity matrix \( I \) or a singular matrix.

**Definitions:**

- **Idempotent Matrix**: A matrix \( A \) such that \( A^2 = A \).
- **Identity Matrix (\( I \))**: A square matrix with ones on the diagonal and zeros elsewhere, satisfying \( AI = IA = A \) for any matrix \( A \) of the same size.
- **Singular Matrix**: A matrix that does not have an inverse.

**Approach:**

To prove the statement, consider the eigenvalues of the idempotent matrix. An eigenvalue \( \lambda \) of an idempotent matrix will satisfy the equation:

\[
\lambda^2 = \lambda
\]

This simplifies to:

\[
\lambda(\lambda - 1) = 0
\]

Thus, \( \lambda \) can either be 0 or 1. This implies:

- If all eigenvalues are 1, \( A \) acts as the identity matrix.
- If any eigenvalue is 0, \( A \) is singular (since a singular matrix is one with determinant 0, which occurs if there’s an eigenvalue of 0).

This establishes that for idempotent \( A \), \( A = I \) or \( A \) is singular.
Transcribed Image Text:**Proof of Idempotent Matrix Properties** **Statement:** Prove that if \( A \) is idempotent, i.e., that \( A^2 = A \), then either \( A = I \) or \( A \) is singular. **Explanation:** An idempotent matrix is one that satisfies the condition \( A^2 = A \). The goal is to demonstrate that for such a matrix \( A \), it must either be the identity matrix \( I \) or a singular matrix. **Definitions:** - **Idempotent Matrix**: A matrix \( A \) such that \( A^2 = A \). - **Identity Matrix (\( I \))**: A square matrix with ones on the diagonal and zeros elsewhere, satisfying \( AI = IA = A \) for any matrix \( A \) of the same size. - **Singular Matrix**: A matrix that does not have an inverse. **Approach:** To prove the statement, consider the eigenvalues of the idempotent matrix. An eigenvalue \( \lambda \) of an idempotent matrix will satisfy the equation: \[ \lambda^2 = \lambda \] This simplifies to: \[ \lambda(\lambda - 1) = 0 \] Thus, \( \lambda \) can either be 0 or 1. This implies: - If all eigenvalues are 1, \( A \) acts as the identity matrix. - If any eigenvalue is 0, \( A \) is singular (since a singular matrix is one with determinant 0, which occurs if there’s an eigenvalue of 0). This establishes that for idempotent \( A \), \( A = I \) or \( A \) is singular.
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