Paper 3, Section II, E

Linear Algebra | Part IB, 2015

Let A1,A2,,AkA_{1}, A_{2}, \ldots, A_{k} be n×nn \times n matrices over a field F\mathbb{F}. We say A1,A2,,AkA_{1}, A_{2}, \ldots, A_{k} are simultaneously diagonalisable if there exists an invertible matrix PP such that P1AiPP^{-1} A_{i} P is diagonal for all 1ik1 \leqslant i \leqslant k. We say the matrices are commuting if AiAj=AjAiA_{i} A_{j}=A_{j} A_{i} for all i,ji, j.

(i) Suppose A1,A2,,AkA_{1}, A_{2}, \ldots, A_{k} are simultaneously diagonalisable. Prove that they are commuting.

(ii) Define an eigenspace of a matrix. Suppose B1,B2,,BkB_{1}, B_{2}, \ldots, B_{k} are commuting n×nn \times n matrices over a field F\mathbb{F}. Let EE denote an eigenspace of B1B_{1}. Prove that Bi(E)EB_{i}(E) \leqslant E for all ii.

(iii) Suppose B1,B2,,BkB_{1}, B_{2}, \ldots, B_{k} are commuting diagonalisable matrices. Prove that they are simultaneously diagonalisable.

(iv) Are the 2×22 \times 2 diagonalisable matrices over C\mathbb{C} simultaneously diagonalisable? Explain your answer.

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