Math Problem Statement

select the best option

Suppose A is a Hermitian matrix such that A^2 = I, where I is the identity matrix. Which of the following must be true about A?

Solution

To analyze the problem:

We are given that A is a Hermitian matrix such that A2=IA^2 = I, where II is the identity matrix. The goal is to determine which property of AA must be true.


Solution and Explanation:

  1. Hermitian matrix properties:

    • A Hermitian matrix satisfies A=AA = A^\dagger, where AA^\dagger is the conjugate transpose of AA.
    • The eigenvalues of a Hermitian matrix are always real.
  2. Given condition A2=IA^2 = I:

    • This implies AA=IA \cdot A = I, which means AA is its own inverse: A1=AA^{-1} = A.
    • Therefore, the eigenvalues of AA must satisfy λ2=1\lambda^2 = 1, which means λ=±1\lambda = \pm 1.
  3. Analyzing the options:

    • Option 1: AA is singular
      This is incorrect because A2=IA^2 = I implies det(A)0\det(A) \neq 0, so AA is nonsingular.

    • Option 2: The eigenvalues of AA are all ±1\pm 1
      This is correct. From A2=IA^2 = I, we derived that λ2=1\lambda^2 = 1, so all eigenvalues must be ±1\pm 1.

    • Option 3: AA is a diagonal matrix
      This is not necessarily true. While AA can be diagonalized (because it is Hermitian), it is not required to already be diagonal.

    • Option 4: The trace of AA is zero
      This is not necessarily true. The trace is the sum of eigenvalues, and since the eigenvalues are ±1\pm 1, the trace could be zero, positive, or negative depending on the matrix.


Correct Answer:

The eigenvalues of AA are all ±1\pm 1.


Would you like me to go into further details or discuss related properties?
Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. Why do Hermitian matrices have real eigenvalues?
  2. How does A2=IA^2 = I imply that AA is invertible?
  3. What other types of matrices satisfy A2=IA^2 = I besides Hermitian ones?
  4. How does the trace of AA relate to its eigenvalues?
  5. What is the significance of diagonalizability for Hermitian matrices?

Tip: Remember that Hermitian matrices are always diagonalizable with real eigenvalues, making them particularly important in quantum mechanics and other physical applications!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Linear Algebra
Hermitian Matrices
Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
Matrix Inverses

Formulas

A^2 = I
Eigenvalue relation: λ^2 = 1 → λ = ±1

Theorems

Properties of Hermitian matrices
Spectral theorem for Hermitian matrices

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Linear Algebra)