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The matrices $A=\begin{pmatrix}5 & -3 \\ 4 & -2\end{pmatrix}$ and $B=\begin{pmatrix}-1 & 1\\-6 & 4\end{pmatrix}$ are similar. By knowing that similar matrices have the same eigenvalues, find a matrix $T$ such that $A=TBT^{-1}.$

any idea or proof is welcome :) thanks .

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    No, they are not similar.2012-12-02
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    They cannot be similar because neither their determinant nor their trace are equal...unless you're working on a field of characteristic $\,2\,$ ...2012-12-02
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    sorry, I fix the mistake2012-12-02
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    Oh, *now* that looks better.2012-12-02

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Evaluate $\,A'$s eigenvalues:

$$p_A(t):=\det(tI-A)=\left|\begin{array}{}t-5&\;\;\;3\\-4&t+2\end{array}\right|=t^2-3t+2=(t-2)(t-1)$$

Thus, the eigenvalues of $\,A\,$ are $\,1,2\,$. Find now one eigenvector for each eigenvalue:

$$(i)\;\;t=1:\;\;\;\;\;\;-4x+3y=0\Longleftrightarrow y=\frac{4}{3}x\Longrightarrow \binom{3}{4}$$ $${}$$

$$(i)\;\;t=2:\,\,\,\,\,\,-3x+3y=0\Longleftrightarrow x=y\Longrightarrow \binom{1}{1}$$

Well, as we know, we get that

$$S=\left(\begin{array}{}3&1\\4&1\end{array}\right)$$

Take it from here

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    But $A \neq TBT^{-1}$2012-12-02
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    I messed up both the letter and the rows and columns of the last matrix. Now, $$\,S^{-1}AS=\begin{pmatrix}1&0\\0&2\end{pmatrix}=R^{-1}BR\,$$ ,and you can get the matrix $\,R\,$ for $\,B\,$ by the same method as we got $\,S\,$ for $\,A\,$ above, so now yes: *take it from here*2012-12-02
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    Could you give me more details, please. After I found matrix $S$ which is the next step? Finding matrix $R$ and then what about $T$ ? thanks:)2012-12-02
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    Read my last, edited message, @Iuli2012-12-02
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    @DonAntonie Thanks :) it is interesting. Could you give some ideas about http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/247720/constructing-matrix-with-nullspace-containing-particular-vector. merci :)2012-12-02