# Can an invertible matrix have no eigenvalues

Construct a $2 \times 2$ matrix that is invertible but not diagonalizable.

From this I know that the eigenvalues cannot be equal or greater than, but would having no eigenvalues be a viable option? I don't see anything wrong based on the Diagonalization Theorem.

For the Invertible Matrix Theorem, if there's no eigenvalues then $0$ wouldn't be an eigenvalues because there are no eigenvalues. I'm not sure how having no eigenvalues affects the determinant of a matrix. If anyone could explain that part to me or show me where I went wrong it'd be greatly appreciated.

The Diagonalization Theorem: An $n \times n$ matrix $A$ is diagonalizable if and only if $A$ has $n$ linearly independent eigenvectors.

The Invertible Matrix Theorem: Let $A$ be an $n \times n$ matrix. Then $A$ is invertible if and only if:

1). The number 0 is not an eigenvalue of $A$

2). The determinant of $A$ is not zero

• On an algebraically closed field (for example, the complex field), every matrix has an eigenvalue on that field. That is, if you allow complex numbers as matrix entries, then all square matrices will have (complex) eigenvalues. Of course, you can build a real square matrix which has no real eigenvalue, but $\mathbb{R}$ isn't algebraically closed. – AspiringMathematician Apr 20 '17 at 17:05
• As an example of why @Guilherme's comment requires an algebraically closed field, see this older answer for a counterexample over $\mathbb{R}$: math.stackexchange.com/a/654467/137524 – Semiclassical Apr 20 '17 at 17:06
• Ah I see, I hadn't considered that possibility. Does the fact of no real eigenvalues but the possibility of complex eigenvalues affect the condition of the matrix being invertible and not diagonalizable? – stumped Apr 20 '17 at 17:11
• On any field which has a Jordan canonical form, then it must have at least one non-zero eigenvalue. Because otherwise all Jordan blocks must be 0 and the matrix be the zero matrix. – mathreadler Apr 20 '17 at 17:21
• The question is, does your definition of "diagonalizable" include the possibility of complex entries? – Robert Israel Apr 20 '17 at 17:22

Hint: a $2\times2$ matrix having a double eigenvalue is diagonalizable if and only if it is diagonal.