Q.39 A 2×2 matrix P has an eigenvalue λ1 = 2 with eigenvector
x1 = ( 1 0 )T
and another eigenvalue λ2 = 5, with eigenvector
x2 = ( 1 1 )T.
The matrix P is
| (A) | ( 2 0 ) ( 0 5 ) |
| (B) | ( 2 3 ) ( 0 5 ) |
| (C) | ( 1 1 ) ( 0 1 ) |
| (D) | ( 1 1 ) ( 1 0 ) |
A 2×2 matrix P has:
- Eigenvalue λ₁ = 2 with eigenvector x₁ = (1, 0)
- Eigenvalue λ₂ = 5 with eigenvector x₂ = (1, 1)
We must determine the correct matrix among the options.
Key Concept
For any matrix P, an eigenpair satisfies:
P x = λx
Step 1 — Use First Eigenpair
P(1,0)T gives the first column of P:
= 2(1,0)T = (2,0)T
So first column is (2,0).
Step 2 — Use Second Eigenpair
P(1,1)T = (first column + second column) = 5(1,1)T = (5,5)T
We already know first column = (2,0):
(2,0) + second column = (5,5)
Therefore second column = (3,5)
Final Matrix
P =
(2 3)
(0 5)
Correct Answer
Option B
Option-Wise Explanation
(B) (2 3; 0 5) — Correct
Matches both eigenpairs:
- Column one gives λ₁ = 2
- Sum of columns gives λ₂ = 5
(A) (2 0; 0 5) — Incorrect
Diagonal matrix has eigenvectors (1,0) and (0,1), not (1,1).
(C) (1 1; 0 1) — Incorrect
Both eigenvalues are 1; cannot match λ₁ = 2 and λ₂ = 5.
(D) (1 1; 1 0) — Incorrect
Eigenvalues are (1 ± √5) / 2, not 2 and 5.