Nine eigen
Explore how matrices can fix vectors and vector directions.
Problem
This problem involves the action of matrices on vectors in three dimensions. The first few questions look at fixed vector directions; the latter questions look at fixed vectors. As you consider each point, make use of geometric or algebraic arguments as appropriate. Draw diagrams and construct particular examples of matrices and vectors if needed. If there is no definitive answer to a given part, try to give examples of when the question posed is or is not true.
In the questions below: $R, S$ are rotation matrices; $P, Q$ are reflection matrices; $M$ is neither a rotation nor a reflection.
- Which of the different types of matrices can leave no vector directions fixed?
- Which of the different types of matrices can leave exactly one vector direction fixed?
- Which of the different types of matrices can leave more than one vector direction fixed?
- Is it ever the case that $RS$ can leave a vector invariant?
- Is it ever the case that $PQ$ can leave a vector invariant?
- Is it ever the case that $M$ will leave the direction of a vector invariant?
- Can a matrix with determinant zero leave a vector fixed?
- Can a matrix with determinant greater than $1$ leave a vector fixed?
- Can a matrix leave exactly two vectors fixed?
Getting Started
A vector ${\bf v}$ is fixed by a matrix if
$$
M{\bf v} = {\bf v}
$$
The vector direction of ${\bf v}$ is fixed if there is some number $\lambda\neq 0$ such that
$$ M{\bf v} = \lambda{\bf v} $$
This resource introduces concepts which appear in the later Further Pure Mathematics A Level modules.
Teachers' Resources
Why do this problem?
This problem asks a series of questions designed to provoke students' thinking about matrices which leave vectors fixed, and the properties that such matrices and vectors would have.
Possible approach
For each section of questions, ask students to think about what they are being asked to do, use their intuition to make any initial comments, then think about the geometry of the situation and finally use some examples to support their thoughts algebraically.
Key questions
Possible extension
Possible support
Matrix Meaning provides some simpler questions about the possible effects of different types of $3 \times 3$ matrices.