Do $ AB $ and $ BA $ have same minimal and characteristic polynomials?
Let $ A, B $ be two square matrices of order $n$. Do $ AB $ and $ BA $ have same minimal and characteristic polynomials?
I have a proof only if $ A$ or $ B $ is invertible. Is it true for all cases?
linear-algebra matrices
add a comment |
Let $ A, B $ be two square matrices of order $n$. Do $ AB $ and $ BA $ have same minimal and characteristic polynomials?
I have a proof only if $ A$ or $ B $ is invertible. Is it true for all cases?
linear-algebra matrices
2
The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Let $ A, B $ be two square matrices of order $n$. Do $ AB $ and $ BA $ have same minimal and characteristic polynomials?
I have a proof only if $ A$ or $ B $ is invertible. Is it true for all cases?
linear-algebra matrices
Let $ A, B $ be two square matrices of order $n$. Do $ AB $ and $ BA $ have same minimal and characteristic polynomials?
I have a proof only if $ A$ or $ B $ is invertible. Is it true for all cases?
linear-algebra matrices
linear-algebra matrices
edited Dec 17 '15 at 23:49
user26857
39.3k123983
39.3k123983
asked Feb 22 '13 at 17:16
Andy
9851018
9851018
2
The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
2
The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
2
2
The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
If $A$ is invertible then $A^{-1}(AB)A= BA$, so $AB$ and $BA$ are similar, which implies (but is stronger than) $AB$ and $BA$ have the same minimal polynomial and the same characteristic polynomial.
The same goes if $B$ is invertible.
In general, from the above observation, it is not too difficult to show that $AB$, and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomial, the type of proof could depends on the field considered for the coefficient of your matrices though.
If the matrices are in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$, you use the fact that $operatorname{GL}_n(mathbb C)$ is dense in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$ and the continuity of the function which maps a matrix to its characteristic polynomial. There are at least 5 other ways to proceed (especially for other field than $mathbb C$).
In general $AB$ and $BA$ do not have the same minimal polynomial. I'll let you search a bit for a counter example.
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
add a comment |
Before proving $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials show that if $A_{mtimes n}$ and $B_{ntimes m} $ then characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ satisfy following statement: $$x^n|xI_m-AB|=x^m|xI_n-BA|$$ therefore easily conclude if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Define $$C = begin{bmatrix} xI_m & A \B & I_n end{bmatrix}, D = begin{bmatrix} I_m & 0 \-B & xI_n end{bmatrix}.$$ We have
$$
begin{align*}
det CD &= x^n|xI_m-AB|,\
det DC &= x^m|xI_n-BA|.
end{align*}
$$
and we know $det CD=det DC$ if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Hint: Consider $A = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ 0 & 0 end{bmatrix}$ and $B = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \ 0 & 1 end{bmatrix}$. What do you get in that case?
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
It's not true that their characteristic polynomials will be the same in the general case. The best result in this general vein is the following.
Let $Ainmathbb{F}^{m times n}$ and let $Binmathbb{F}^{n times m}$, and $AB$, $BA$ with minimal polynomials (over $mathbb{F}$) $m_{AB}(x)$ and $m_{BA}(x)$ respectively. Then one of the following holds:
$m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$, or $m_{AB}(x) = x cdot m_{BA}(x)$, or $xcdot m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$.
It's easy, just use the fact that $(BA)^k=B(AB)^{k-1}A$.
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
add a comment |
For squre matrix, the charateristic polynomials are same, but for $A$ is matrix of size $m times n$ and B be matrix of size $n times m$. Then $x^{m}C_{BA}(x)=x^{n}C_{AB}(x)$ this implies that the nonzero eigenvalue of $AB$, counted with multiplicites, are same as nonzero eigenvalue of $BA$.
That is if A is of size 7×4 and B is of size 4×7 and assume that the 4×4 matrix BA has nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 so fourth eigenvalue of BA is 0. Then the 7×7 matrix AB will also have nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 and remaining four eigenvalue of AB are zero.
add a comment |
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5 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
If $A$ is invertible then $A^{-1}(AB)A= BA$, so $AB$ and $BA$ are similar, which implies (but is stronger than) $AB$ and $BA$ have the same minimal polynomial and the same characteristic polynomial.
The same goes if $B$ is invertible.
In general, from the above observation, it is not too difficult to show that $AB$, and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomial, the type of proof could depends on the field considered for the coefficient of your matrices though.
If the matrices are in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$, you use the fact that $operatorname{GL}_n(mathbb C)$ is dense in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$ and the continuity of the function which maps a matrix to its characteristic polynomial. There are at least 5 other ways to proceed (especially for other field than $mathbb C$).
In general $AB$ and $BA$ do not have the same minimal polynomial. I'll let you search a bit for a counter example.
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
add a comment |
If $A$ is invertible then $A^{-1}(AB)A= BA$, so $AB$ and $BA$ are similar, which implies (but is stronger than) $AB$ and $BA$ have the same minimal polynomial and the same characteristic polynomial.
The same goes if $B$ is invertible.
In general, from the above observation, it is not too difficult to show that $AB$, and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomial, the type of proof could depends on the field considered for the coefficient of your matrices though.
If the matrices are in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$, you use the fact that $operatorname{GL}_n(mathbb C)$ is dense in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$ and the continuity of the function which maps a matrix to its characteristic polynomial. There are at least 5 other ways to proceed (especially for other field than $mathbb C$).
In general $AB$ and $BA$ do not have the same minimal polynomial. I'll let you search a bit for a counter example.
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
add a comment |
If $A$ is invertible then $A^{-1}(AB)A= BA$, so $AB$ and $BA$ are similar, which implies (but is stronger than) $AB$ and $BA$ have the same minimal polynomial and the same characteristic polynomial.
The same goes if $B$ is invertible.
In general, from the above observation, it is not too difficult to show that $AB$, and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomial, the type of proof could depends on the field considered for the coefficient of your matrices though.
If the matrices are in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$, you use the fact that $operatorname{GL}_n(mathbb C)$ is dense in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$ and the continuity of the function which maps a matrix to its characteristic polynomial. There are at least 5 other ways to proceed (especially for other field than $mathbb C$).
In general $AB$ and $BA$ do not have the same minimal polynomial. I'll let you search a bit for a counter example.
If $A$ is invertible then $A^{-1}(AB)A= BA$, so $AB$ and $BA$ are similar, which implies (but is stronger than) $AB$ and $BA$ have the same minimal polynomial and the same characteristic polynomial.
The same goes if $B$ is invertible.
In general, from the above observation, it is not too difficult to show that $AB$, and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomial, the type of proof could depends on the field considered for the coefficient of your matrices though.
If the matrices are in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$, you use the fact that $operatorname{GL}_n(mathbb C)$ is dense in $mathcal{M}_n(mathbb C)$ and the continuity of the function which maps a matrix to its characteristic polynomial. There are at least 5 other ways to proceed (especially for other field than $mathbb C$).
In general $AB$ and $BA$ do not have the same minimal polynomial. I'll let you search a bit for a counter example.
edited Dec 17 '15 at 23:50
user26857
39.3k123983
39.3k123983
answered Feb 22 '13 at 17:30
Nathan Portland
1,015720
1,015720
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
add a comment |
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
9
9
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
5 other ways? I'm quite curious what those ways are. I only know of the continuity argument and an argument involving determinant identities on block matrices. Would it be possible to provide a reference to some other methods?
– EuYu
Feb 22 '13 at 17:37
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
@EuYu, I have no reference, sorry.
– Nathan Portland
Feb 22 '13 at 22:11
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same? @NathanPortland
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:55
add a comment |
Before proving $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials show that if $A_{mtimes n}$ and $B_{ntimes m} $ then characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ satisfy following statement: $$x^n|xI_m-AB|=x^m|xI_n-BA|$$ therefore easily conclude if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Define $$C = begin{bmatrix} xI_m & A \B & I_n end{bmatrix}, D = begin{bmatrix} I_m & 0 \-B & xI_n end{bmatrix}.$$ We have
$$
begin{align*}
det CD &= x^n|xI_m-AB|,\
det DC &= x^m|xI_n-BA|.
end{align*}
$$
and we know $det CD=det DC$ if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Before proving $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials show that if $A_{mtimes n}$ and $B_{ntimes m} $ then characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ satisfy following statement: $$x^n|xI_m-AB|=x^m|xI_n-BA|$$ therefore easily conclude if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Define $$C = begin{bmatrix} xI_m & A \B & I_n end{bmatrix}, D = begin{bmatrix} I_m & 0 \-B & xI_n end{bmatrix}.$$ We have
$$
begin{align*}
det CD &= x^n|xI_m-AB|,\
det DC &= x^m|xI_n-BA|.
end{align*}
$$
and we know $det CD=det DC$ if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Before proving $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials show that if $A_{mtimes n}$ and $B_{ntimes m} $ then characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ satisfy following statement: $$x^n|xI_m-AB|=x^m|xI_n-BA|$$ therefore easily conclude if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Define $$C = begin{bmatrix} xI_m & A \B & I_n end{bmatrix}, D = begin{bmatrix} I_m & 0 \-B & xI_n end{bmatrix}.$$ We have
$$
begin{align*}
det CD &= x^n|xI_m-AB|,\
det DC &= x^m|xI_n-BA|.
end{align*}
$$
and we know $det CD=det DC$ if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Before proving $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials show that if $A_{mtimes n}$ and $B_{ntimes m} $ then characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ satisfy following statement: $$x^n|xI_m-AB|=x^m|xI_n-BA|$$ therefore easily conclude if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
Define $$C = begin{bmatrix} xI_m & A \B & I_n end{bmatrix}, D = begin{bmatrix} I_m & 0 \-B & xI_n end{bmatrix}.$$ We have
$$
begin{align*}
det CD &= x^n|xI_m-AB|,\
det DC &= x^m|xI_n-BA|.
end{align*}
$$
and we know $det CD=det DC$ if $m=n$ then $AB$ and $BA$ have the same characteristic polynomials.
edited May 7 '15 at 6:46
user26857
39.3k123983
39.3k123983
answered Feb 22 '13 at 17:36
M.H
7,2371553
7,2371553
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@M.H
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Hint: Consider $A = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ 0 & 0 end{bmatrix}$ and $B = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \ 0 & 1 end{bmatrix}$. What do you get in that case?
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Hint: Consider $A = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ 0 & 0 end{bmatrix}$ and $B = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \ 0 & 1 end{bmatrix}$. What do you get in that case?
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
Hint: Consider $A = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ 0 & 0 end{bmatrix}$ and $B = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \ 0 & 1 end{bmatrix}$. What do you get in that case?
Hint: Consider $A = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 1 \ 0 & 0 end{bmatrix}$ and $B = begin{bmatrix} 0 & 0 \ 0 & 1 end{bmatrix}$. What do you get in that case?
answered Feb 22 '13 at 17:20
Jim
24.3k23270
24.3k23270
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
2
2
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
This shows that $AB$ and $BA$ have different minimal polynomial. But characteristic polynomials are the same right?
– Unknown x
Nov 25 '17 at 1:39
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@Jim
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56
add a comment |
It's not true that their characteristic polynomials will be the same in the general case. The best result in this general vein is the following.
Let $Ainmathbb{F}^{m times n}$ and let $Binmathbb{F}^{n times m}$, and $AB$, $BA$ with minimal polynomials (over $mathbb{F}$) $m_{AB}(x)$ and $m_{BA}(x)$ respectively. Then one of the following holds:
$m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$, or $m_{AB}(x) = x cdot m_{BA}(x)$, or $xcdot m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$.
It's easy, just use the fact that $(BA)^k=B(AB)^{k-1}A$.
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
add a comment |
It's not true that their characteristic polynomials will be the same in the general case. The best result in this general vein is the following.
Let $Ainmathbb{F}^{m times n}$ and let $Binmathbb{F}^{n times m}$, and $AB$, $BA$ with minimal polynomials (over $mathbb{F}$) $m_{AB}(x)$ and $m_{BA}(x)$ respectively. Then one of the following holds:
$m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$, or $m_{AB}(x) = x cdot m_{BA}(x)$, or $xcdot m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$.
It's easy, just use the fact that $(BA)^k=B(AB)^{k-1}A$.
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
add a comment |
It's not true that their characteristic polynomials will be the same in the general case. The best result in this general vein is the following.
Let $Ainmathbb{F}^{m times n}$ and let $Binmathbb{F}^{n times m}$, and $AB$, $BA$ with minimal polynomials (over $mathbb{F}$) $m_{AB}(x)$ and $m_{BA}(x)$ respectively. Then one of the following holds:
$m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$, or $m_{AB}(x) = x cdot m_{BA}(x)$, or $xcdot m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$.
It's easy, just use the fact that $(BA)^k=B(AB)^{k-1}A$.
It's not true that their characteristic polynomials will be the same in the general case. The best result in this general vein is the following.
Let $Ainmathbb{F}^{m times n}$ and let $Binmathbb{F}^{n times m}$, and $AB$, $BA$ with minimal polynomials (over $mathbb{F}$) $m_{AB}(x)$ and $m_{BA}(x)$ respectively. Then one of the following holds:
$m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$, or $m_{AB}(x) = x cdot m_{BA}(x)$, or $xcdot m_{AB}(x) = m_{BA}(x)$.
It's easy, just use the fact that $(BA)^k=B(AB)^{k-1}A$.
edited May 7 '15 at 6:42
user26857
39.3k123983
39.3k123983
answered Jul 16 '14 at 6:02
user164626
411
411
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
add a comment |
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
in general means for m not equal to n??
– user152715
Sep 16 '14 at 21:16
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
The question says (and always has said) square matrices $A,B$. If you are answering a more general question, then you should announce this. Also, answering a more general question is only useful if this is no more difficult than the actual question, or if the more general solution sheds more light on the solution.
– Marc van Leeuwen
Dec 23 '15 at 21:10
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@MarcvanLeeuwen
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:58
add a comment |
For squre matrix, the charateristic polynomials are same, but for $A$ is matrix of size $m times n$ and B be matrix of size $n times m$. Then $x^{m}C_{BA}(x)=x^{n}C_{AB}(x)$ this implies that the nonzero eigenvalue of $AB$, counted with multiplicites, are same as nonzero eigenvalue of $BA$.
That is if A is of size 7×4 and B is of size 4×7 and assume that the 4×4 matrix BA has nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 so fourth eigenvalue of BA is 0. Then the 7×7 matrix AB will also have nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 and remaining four eigenvalue of AB are zero.
add a comment |
For squre matrix, the charateristic polynomials are same, but for $A$ is matrix of size $m times n$ and B be matrix of size $n times m$. Then $x^{m}C_{BA}(x)=x^{n}C_{AB}(x)$ this implies that the nonzero eigenvalue of $AB$, counted with multiplicites, are same as nonzero eigenvalue of $BA$.
That is if A is of size 7×4 and B is of size 4×7 and assume that the 4×4 matrix BA has nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 so fourth eigenvalue of BA is 0. Then the 7×7 matrix AB will also have nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 and remaining four eigenvalue of AB are zero.
add a comment |
For squre matrix, the charateristic polynomials are same, but for $A$ is matrix of size $m times n$ and B be matrix of size $n times m$. Then $x^{m}C_{BA}(x)=x^{n}C_{AB}(x)$ this implies that the nonzero eigenvalue of $AB$, counted with multiplicites, are same as nonzero eigenvalue of $BA$.
That is if A is of size 7×4 and B is of size 4×7 and assume that the 4×4 matrix BA has nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 so fourth eigenvalue of BA is 0. Then the 7×7 matrix AB will also have nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 and remaining four eigenvalue of AB are zero.
For squre matrix, the charateristic polynomials are same, but for $A$ is matrix of size $m times n$ and B be matrix of size $n times m$. Then $x^{m}C_{BA}(x)=x^{n}C_{AB}(x)$ this implies that the nonzero eigenvalue of $AB$, counted with multiplicites, are same as nonzero eigenvalue of $BA$.
That is if A is of size 7×4 and B is of size 4×7 and assume that the 4×4 matrix BA has nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 so fourth eigenvalue of BA is 0. Then the 7×7 matrix AB will also have nonzero eigenvalue 1,1,3 and remaining four eigenvalue of AB are zero.
edited Sep 1 '18 at 16:29
answered Sep 1 '18 at 10:36
user499117
409
409
add a comment |
add a comment |
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The coefficients of the characteristic polynomial are continuous functions in the entries of a matrix, so if the characteristic polynomials of $AB$ and $BA$ coincide for a dense set of $A$ (or a dense set of $B$) then they always coincide. The coefficients of the minimal polynomial, on the other hand...
– Qiaochu Yuan
Feb 22 '13 at 21:12
Is the eigen value argument another one way? Can I say that the eigen values of $AB$ and $BA$ are same so the characteristics equations are same?@QiaochuYuan
– cmi
Nov 19 '18 at 4:56