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Diagonalizing Matrices

Keywords: matrices, bra-ket, diagonalize, Linear Algebra, Compare & Contrast

prdiagmatrix.jpg

Highlights of the activity

  1. In small groups, students carry out calculations to find the matrix elements of diagonal and non-diagonal matrices.
  2. Students use these calculations to compare the diagonal and non-diagonal form of the same linear transformation with the goal that they will begin to understand the meaning of and purpose behind the process of diagonalization.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

This activity helps students to explore the meaning of diagonalizing a matrix as well as the relationship between diagonalized and non-diagonalized matrices and their eigenvectors and eigenvalues.

Reflections

Instructor's Guide


Authors: Corinne Manogue, Kerry Browne
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