What are the eigenvalue and eigenvector for the reversed direction of a reflection about ?
Conditions
- The transformation is a reflection about the line .
- The vector is nonzero.
- The vector is perpendicular to the reflection line.
Reasoning, step by step
- Identify a vector perpendicular to the reflection line , such as .
- Apply the reflection transformation to .
- Observe that the result is .
- Factor out from the result: .
- Compare this to the eigenvalue equation .
- Conclude that for the eigenvector .
- Verify: .
Example
The script states: 'The vector (1,1) maps to (−1,−1), so its eigenvalue is −1.'
Common misconceptions
- Thinking that vectors perpendicular to the reflection line are unchanged.
- Assuming the eigenvalue for reversed vectors is 1.
- Confusing the direction with .
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