The matrix associated with $f$ is: $$ \left(\begin{array}{rrr} 3 & -1 & -1 \\ -1 & 3 & -1 \\ -1 & -1 & 3 \end{array}\right) . $$
First, I am going to find the characteristic equation of $\det(A- \lambda I)$. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
$$= (3-\lambda)(3-\lambda)(3-\lambda)-1-1-(3-\lambda)-(3-\lambda)-(3-\lambda) =-\lambda^3+9\lambda^2-24\lambda+16 .$$
How to factor this? I know the $\lambda$'s should be $1$, $4$ and $4$. But how am I supposed to find these values?