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Do the eigenvectors of a reflection about y=−xy=-x form an eigenbasis?

Yes, the two independent eigenvectors (1,−1)(1,-1) and (1,1)(1,1) form an eigenbasis for this specific example. They span the entire 2D space, allowing any vector to be expressed as a linear combination of these eigenvectors.

Conditions

  • The matrix is the reflection about y=−xy=-x.
  • The eigenvectors are linearly independent.
  • The dimension of the space is 2.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the two eigenvectors: (1,−1)(1,-1) for λ=1\lambda=1 and (1,1)(1,1) for λ=−1\lambda=-1.
  2. Check for linear independence: neither is a scalar multiple of the other.
  3. Since there are 2 independent eigenvectors in a 2D space, they form a basis.
  4. Conclude that they constitute an eigenbasis for the reflection matrix.

Example

The script states: 'These two independent directions form an eigenbasis for this example.'

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that any set of eigenvectors automatically forms a basis for any matrix.
  • Assuming that a general n×nn \times n matrix always has nn distinct real eigenvalues.
  • Confusing an eigenbasis with a standard basis.

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