Random matrix satisfying a given polynomial

asked 7 years ago

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If a polynomial f(x) of order n is given, can we find a random square matrix A of order m so that f(A)=0?

I tried to construct it by finding the roots of f(x) and then creating random matrix with those roots as eigenvalues. But the problem occurs when n is not equal to m. I'm unable to set the eigenvalue, dimensions suitably.

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Let us just consider a simple example, f(x)=x2+1. It is relatively simple to construct matrices of any order over C having a diagonal normal form with only +±1 on the diagonal. But if we insist to have a 1×1 or a 3×3 matrix with real entries and a minimal polynom dividing x2+1\dots well, there are Galois theory obstructions. For instance, for a 3×3 real matrix A, we build its characteristic polynomial, fA, say, get fA(A)=0. Suppose we also have f(A)=AA+1=0, f(x)=x2+1 as above. Then division with rest of fAR[x] by f cannot give a rest of degree one, or of degree zero (constant), because such a polynomial cannot have a root ±i. If the rest is 0, then the third ...(more)

dan_fulea gravatar imagedan_fulea ( 7 years ago )

When you write "random", do you mean that you want to be able to sample various matrices w.r.t some distribution or do you just want to find one particular solution ?

tmonteil gravatar imagetmonteil ( 7 years ago )

I want a particular solution. Suppose I want to get an example of a 5×5 matrix A with real entries that satisfies $A^4+3A-2A+I=0$

Deepak Sarma gravatar imageDeepak Sarma ( 7 years ago )

Whichi is exactly the given polynomial of degree four?

  • f=x4+3x32x+1 or
  • f=x4+3x22x+1 or
  • f=x4+3x2x+1 ?
dan_fulea gravatar imagedan_fulea ( 7 years ago )

Sorry, I typed it wrong, I meant of the first polynomial you have written. But its immaterial, I just need an example how to construct such an example. you can consider any of the above polynomial(or any other suitable polynomial) to illustrate.

Deepak Sarma gravatar imageDeepak Sarma ( 7 years ago )