Let A be a 2 2 real matrix and I be the identity matrix of order 2. If the roots of the equation |A-xI|=0 be -1 and 3, then the sum of the diagonal elements of the matrix A2 is .
Answer
10
Solution
Let A = bmatrix a & b \ c & d bmatrix. Then |A - xI| = x2 - (a + d)x + (ad - bc), whose roots are -1 and 3.
So the sum of the roots gives a + d = 2, and the product gives ad - bc = -3.
A2 = bmatrix a2 + bc & ab + bd \ ac + cd & bc + d2 bmatrix, so the sum of its diagonal elements is a2 + 2bc + d2.
a2 + 2bc + d2 = (a + d)2 - 2(ad - bc) = 4 - 2(-3) = 10
Answer: 10