# Proof of a theorem on simultaneous diagonalization from Hoffman and Kunze.

Now I am reading Linear Algebra from the book of Hoffman and Kunze second edition. I am trying to understand theorem $8$ on pg number $207$ which is based on Simultaneous diagonalization. I have seen plenty of proofs on this simultaneous diagonalization. But I couldn't understand what they had mentioned in the $1$st paragraph of the proof to adapt a previous lemma (lemma before theorem 7) for this theorem. I understand the proof they provided. But I am curious to know the modified lemma for the diagonalizable case. If someone can help me I will be very happy. Many thanks.For your reference I add a photo.

• It would help if you made this question readable to someone who doesn't have the textbook. What's the theorem? What's the lemma? – Omnomnomnom Mar 13 '17 at 15:09
• I agree with you sir but my problem is i don't know how to post its image from the book ! – user371231 Mar 13 '17 at 15:12
• You should be able to add a picture using the toolbar at the top when you edit. If you can't get the picture to work, then just write out the answers to my specific questions. – Omnomnomnom Mar 13 '17 at 15:14
• I still don't know what the lemma before theorem 7 says. It would be helpful if you typed out the lemma. – Omnomnomnom Mar 13 '17 at 16:45
• I thought book of Hoffman is a very common book..so i avoided typing all the things. Anyway I shall type very soon with some detail ! – user371231 Mar 13 '17 at 16:49

# Introduction

In the first paragraph of the proof of Theorem 8, the authors say,

We could prove this theorem by adapting the lemma before Theorem 7 to the diagonalizable case, just as we adapted the lemma before Theorem 5 to the diagonalizable case in order to prove Theorem 6.

To understand how to modify the lemma before Theorem 7, it will be helpful to understand how the authors modified the lemma before Theorem 5. This is not explicitly done but is instead hidden in the proof of Theorem 6. So first, we will state and prove a modification of the lemma before Theorem 5 and use that to prove Theorem 6. Then, we will state and prove a modification of the lemma before Theorem 7 and use that to prove Theorem 8.

# Triangulation and Diagonalization of a Single Operator

First, let us look at the lemma before Theorem 5 (called Lemma A here):

### Lemma A

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$. Let $T$ be a linear operator on $V$ such that the minimal polynomial for $T$ is a product of linear factors $$p = (x-c_1)^{r_1} \cdots (x-c_k)^{r_k}, \qquad c_i \text{ in } F.$$ Let $W$ be a proper ($W \neq V$) subspace of $V$ which is invariant under $T$. There exists a vector $\alpha$ in $V$ such that (a) $\alpha$ is not in $W$; (b) $(T-cI)\alpha$ is in $W$, for some characteristic value $c$ of the operator $T$.

We want to adapt Lemma A to help us find necessary and sufficient conditions for an operator to be diagonalizable. We will look at the proof of Theorem 6 to see if we can extract the modification of Lemma A from it.

### Theorem 6

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$ and let $T$ be a linear operator on $V$. Then $T$ is diagonalizable if and only if the minimal polynomial for $T$ has the form $$p = (x-c_1) \cdots (x-c_k)$$ where $c_1,\dots,c_k$ are distinct elements of $F$.

Proof of Theorem 6: We have noted earlier that, if $T$ is diagonalizable, its minimal polynomial is a product of distinct linear factors (see the discussion on page 193 prior to Example 4).

To prove the converse, let $W$ be the subspace spanned by all of the characteristic vectors of $T$, and suppose $W \neq V$. By Lemma A, there is a vector $\alpha$ not in $W$ and a characteristic value $c_j$ of $T$ such that the vector $$\beta = (T-c_j I)\alpha$$ lies in $W$. Since $\beta$ is in $W$, $$\beta = \beta_1 + \dots + \beta_k$$ where $T\beta_i = c_i \beta_i$, $1 \leq i \leq k$, and therefore the vector $$h(T)\beta = h(c_1)\beta_1 + \dots + h(c_k) \beta_k$$ is in $W$, for every polynomial $h$.

Now $p(x) = (x-c_j)q(x)$, for some polnomial $q$. Also $$q(x) - q(c_j) = (x-c_j)h(x)$$ for some polynomial $h$, because $c_j$ is a root of the polynomial $q(x) - q(c_j)$. So, we have $$q(T)\alpha - q(c_j)\alpha = h(T)(T-c_j I)\alpha = h(T)\beta.$$ But $h(T)\beta$ is in $W$ and, since $$0 = p(T)\alpha = (T-c_j I)q(T)\alpha,$$ the vector $q(T)\alpha$ is in $W$. Therefore, $q(c_j)\alpha$ is in $W$. Since $\alpha$ is not in $W$, we have $q(c_j) = 0$. That contradicts the fact that $p$ has distinct roots. $$\tag*{\blacksquare}$$

The key idea used in the proof is that if $W$ is a proper subspace of $V$ and the minimal polynomial of $T$ is a product of distinct linear factors, then we can always find a characteristic vector (here, $q(T)\alpha$) that is not in $W$. So, we try the following modification of Lemma A:

### Lemma B

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$. Let $T$ be a linear operator on $V$ such that the minimal polynomial for $T$ is a product of distinct linear factors $$p = (x-c_1) \cdots (x-c_k), \qquad c_i \text{ in } F.$$ Let $W$ be a proper ($W \neq V$) subspace of $V$ which is invariant under $T$. There exists a vector $\alpha$ in $V$ such that (a) $\alpha$ is not in $W$; (b) $(T-cI)\alpha = 0$, for some characteristic value $c$ of the operator $T$.

Proof of Lemma B: By Lemma A, there exists a vector $\beta$ not in $W$ and a characteristic value $c_j$ of $T$ such that $(T-c_j I)\beta$ lies in $W$. If $(T-c_jI)\beta = 0$ then we are done, for $\alpha = \beta$ works. So, assume $(T-c_jI)\beta \neq 0$. We can write $p(x) = (x-c_j) q(x)$, for some polynomial $q$ such that $q(c_j) \neq 0$. So, $$0 = p(T)\beta = (T-c_j I)q(T)\beta.$$ We will show that $\alpha = q(T)\beta$ is not in $W$, so this will prove the lemma. Suppose $q(T)\beta$ is in $W$. The polynomial $q(x) - q(c_j)$ has $c_j$ as a root, so we can write $$q(x) - q(c_j) = (x - c_j)h(x)$$ for some polynomial $h$. So, $$q(T)\beta - q(c_j)\beta = h(T)(T-c_jI)\beta = h(T)(\tilde{\beta}),$$ Since $W$ is $T$-invariant and $\tilde{\beta} = (T-c_jI)\beta$ is in $W$, $h(T)(\tilde{\beta})$ is also in $W$. So, $q(c_j)\beta$ is in $W$, but this is a contradiction because $q(c_j) \neq 0$ and $\beta$ is not in $W$. Hence, $\alpha = q(T)\beta$ is not in $W$ and $(T-c_jI)\alpha = 0$. $$\tag*{\blacksquare}$$

Note: the proof of this lemma is essentially an unpacking of the proof of Theorem 6.

We can now re-prove Theorem 6 using Lemma B:

(Another) Proof of Theorem 6: We have noted earlier that, if $T$ is diagonalizable, its minimal polynomial is a product of distinct linear factors (see the discussion on page 193 prior to Example 4).

To prove the converse, suppose that the minimal polynomial factors as $$p = (x-c_1) \cdots (x-c_k).$$ By repeated application of Lemma B, we shall arrive at an ordered basis $\mathscr{B} = \{ \alpha_1, \dots, \alpha_n \}$ in which the matrix representing $T$ is diagonal: $$[T]_{\mathscr{B}} = \begin{bmatrix} a_{11} & 0 & 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ 0 & a_{22} & 0 & \cdots & 0 \\ 0 & 0 & a_{33} & \cdots & 0 \\ \vdots & \vdots & \vdots & \ddots & \vdots \\ 0 & 0 & 0 & \cdots & a_{nn} \end{bmatrix}.$$ Now, this merely says that $$T\alpha_j = a_{jj} \alpha_j, \qquad 1 \leq j \leq n$$ that is, $T\alpha_j$ is in the subspace spanned by $\alpha_j$. To find $\alpha_1,\dots,\alpha_n$, we start by applying Lemma B to the subspace $W = \{ 0 \}$ to obtain the vector $\alpha_1$. Then, apply Lemma B to $W_1$, the space spanned by $\alpha_1$, and we get $\alpha_2$. Next apply Lemma B to $W_2$, the space spanned by $\alpha_1$ and $\alpha_2$. Continue in that way. One point deserves comment. After $\alpha_1,\dots,\alpha_i$ have been found, it is the scaling-type relations $T\alpha_j = a_{jj} \alpha_j$ for $j = 1,\dots,i$ which ensure that the subspace spanned by $\alpha_1,\dots,\alpha_i$ is invariant under $T$. $$\tag*{\blacksquare}$$

Note: this proof is entirely analogous to the proof of Theorem 5 on page 203 that makes use of Lemma A.

# Simultaneous Triangulation; Simultaneous Diagonalization

Now, to find sufficient conditions for a family of operators to be simultaneously triangulable we need to modify Lemma A slightly. This is the lemma before Theorem 7, which we state here as Lemma C:

### Lemma C

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$. Let $\mathscr{F}$ be a commuting family of triangulable linear operators on $V$. Let $W$ be a proper subspace of $V$ which is invariant under $\mathscr{F}$. There exists a vector $\alpha$ in $V$ such that (a) $\alpha$ is not in $W$; (b) for each $T$ in $\mathscr{F}$, the vector $T\alpha$ is in the subspace spanned by $\alpha$ and $W$.

We want to adapt Lemma C to help us find necessary and sufficient conditions for a family of operators to be simultaneously diagonalizable. We use the statement of Lemma B to come up with the following statement for the modified lemma:

### Lemma D

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$. Let $\mathscr{F}$ be a commuting family of diagonalizable linear operators on $V$. Let $W$ be a proper subspace of $V$ which is invariant under $\mathscr{F}$. There exists a vector $\alpha$ in $V$ such that (a) $\alpha$ is not in $W$; (b) for each $T$ in $\mathscr{F}$, the vector $T\alpha$ is in the subspace spanned by $\alpha$.

The proof of Lemma D is completely analogous to the proof of Lemma C. We just replace Lemma A with Lemma B, and use the modified condition (b) in place of the old condition. We give the detailed steps below.

Proof of Lemma D: It is no loss of generality to assume that $\mathscr{F}$ contains only a finite number of operators, because of this observation. Let $\{ T_1,\dots,T_r \}$ be a maximal linearly independent subset of $\mathscr{F}$, i.e., a basis for the subspace spanned by $\mathscr{F}$. If $\alpha$ is a vector such that $(b)$ holds for each $T_i$, then (b) will hold for every operator which is a linear combination of $T_1,\dots,T_r$.

By Lemma B, we can find a vector $\beta_1$ (not in $W$) and a scalar $c_1$ such that $(T_1 - c_1 I)\beta_1 = 0$. Let $V_1$ be the collection of all vectors $\beta$ in $V$ such that $(T_1 - c_1 I)\beta = 0$. Then $V_1$ is a subspace of $V$. Furthermore, $V_1$ is invariant under $\mathscr{F}$, for this reason. If $T$ commutes with $T_1$ and $\beta$ is in $V_1$, then $$(T_1 - c_1 I)(T\beta) = T(T_1 - c_1 I)\beta = T(0) = 0.$$ So, $T\beta$ is in $V_1$ for all $T$ in $\mathscr{F}$, i.e., $V_1$ is invariant under $\mathscr{F}$.

Now $W \cap V_1$ is a proper subspace of $V_1$. Let $U_2$ be the linear operator on $V_1$ obtained by restricting $T_2$ to the subspace $V_1$. The minimal polynomial for $U_2$ divides the minimal polynomial for $T_2$. Therefore, we may apply Lemma B to that operator and the invariant subspace $W \cap V_1$. We obtain a vector $\beta_2$ in $V_1$ (not in $W \cap V_1$ and hence not in $W$) and a scalar $c_2$ such that $(T_2 - c_2 I)\beta_2 = 0$. Note that

1. $\beta_2$ is not in $W$;
2. $(T_1 - c_1 I)\beta_2 = 0$;
3. $(T_2 - c_2 I)\beta_2 = 0$.

Let $V_2$ be the set of all vectors $\beta$ in $V_1$ such that $(T_2 - c_2 I)\beta = 0$. Then $V_2$ is a subspace of $V_1$ that is invariant under $\mathscr{F}$. Apply Lemma B to $U_3$, the restriction of $T_3$ to $V_2$, and the invariant subspace $W \cap V_2$. We obtain a vector $\beta_3$ in $V_2$ (not in $W \cap V_2$ and hence not in $W$) and a scalar $c_3$ such that $(T_3 - c_3 I)\beta_3 = 0$. Note that

1. $\beta_3$ is not in $W$;
2. $(T_1 - c_1 I)\beta_3 = 0$;
3. $(T_2 - c_2 I)\beta_3 = 0$;
4. $(T_3 - c_3 I)\beta_3 = 0$.

If we continue in this way, we shall reach a vector $\alpha = \beta_r$ (not in $W$) such that $(T_j - c_j I)\alpha = 0$, $j = 1,\dots,r$. $$\tag*{\blacksquare}$$

We can now state and prove Theorem 8 using Lemma D:

### Theorem 8

Let $V$ be a finite-dimensional vector space over the field $F$. Let $\mathscr{F}$ be a commuting family of diagonalizable linear operators on $V$. There exists an ordered basis for $V$ such that every operator in $\mathscr{F}$ is represented by a diagonal matrix in that basis.

Proof of Theorem 8: Given Lemma D, this theorem has the same proof as (the second proof of) Theorem 6, if one replaces $T$ by $T \in \mathscr{F}$. $$\tag*{\blacksquare}$$

• @ Brahadeesh : In the proof of lemma D it is not clear why $W \subset V_1 !$ – user371231 Mar 3 '18 at 10:27
• I think the meaning of invariant should be fixed point..i mean each element in $W$ is fixed by the linear operators on the collection. – user371231 Mar 3 '18 at 10:45
• @user371231 You are right. Let me fix the proof... – Brahadeesh Mar 3 '18 at 10:57
• I think each non zero vector in $W$ has to be eigen vector for each linear operator in the collection. – user371231 Mar 3 '18 at 11:16
• @user371231 I think that is far too restrictive, but I am not sure. I shall try to get back to this in some time. – Brahadeesh Mar 3 '18 at 11:19