# Is eigenvectors/eigenvalues of symetric matrix related with eigenvectors/eigenvalues of its block?

$A$ is square symmetric matrix as:

$$A=\begin{pmatrix} A_1&A_2 \\ A_3 & A_4 \end{pmatrix}$$ I have two points which need help to understand clearly:
All blocks $A_1$, $A_2$, $A_3$, $A_4$ of symmetric $A$ are symmetric too. Is it right?
Is any relation between eigenvectors/eigenvalues of matrix $A$ and its blocks?

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I don't understand, what $A$ is ? – Belgi Aug 7 '12 at 8:52
I've edited your post using TeX syntax for better readability. Please, check whether I did unintentionally not change the meaning (and edit the post again, if needed). For some basic information about writing math at this site see e.g. here, here and here. – Martin Sleziak Aug 7 '12 at 8:55
Ohh, I'm seeking a editing, and see your correction. Thanks to Martin Sleziak! – HongTu Aug 7 '12 at 9:00

$A_1$ and $A_4$ must be symmetric, but $A_2$ and $A_3$ need not (in fact they're not even necessarily square); the condition here is $A_2 = ^tA_3$. Consider:
$$A = \left( \begin{array}{c|cc} 4 & 1 & 2 \\ \hline 1 & 1 & 0 \\ 2 & 0 & 1 \end{array} \right)$$
I'm not aware of any relation between the eigenvalues of $A$ and the ones of its blocks, for example here $A_1$ has eigenvalue 4, but $A$ itself doesn't have this eigenvalues. As for the eigenvectors, they don't even belong in the same spaces (they're 3-dimensional for $A$ but not for the blocks).