Diagonalizing Matrices

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

• Reflections from the original implementation.

• Reflections from "official" adapters/adopters.

• Reflections from the general public.

Instructor's Guide

• Wiki version