Given $A$ and $B$ diagonalizable matrices similar to a diagonal matrix $C$. That is to say, $A$ and $B$ have the same eigenvalues and for every eigenvalue the geometric multiplicity is the same.
Knowing this, can I determine $A$ and $B$ are similar?
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$\begingroup$ "Similar"? Sure. They have the same eigenvalues. What else does "similar" mean to you? $\endgroup$– David G. StorkJul 30, 2018 at 17:45
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$\begingroup$ David G. Stork, same eigenvalues do not imply that the matrices are similar. $\endgroup$– MarkJul 30, 2018 at 17:49
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$\begingroup$ @DavidG.Stork "Similar" is a standard term in linear algebra. $A$ and $B$ are similar if there exists an invertible $P$ such that $A=P^{-1}BP$. $\endgroup$– David C. UllrichJul 30, 2018 at 18:04
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2 Answers
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$$A=P^{-1}CP \implies C=PAP^{-1}$$ $$B=Q^{-1}CQ \implies C=QBQ^{-1}$$
$$PAP^{-1}=QBQ^{-1}$$
$$A=P^{-1}QBQ^{-1}P=(Q^{-1}P)^{-1}B(Q^{-1}P)$$
Hence, $A$ and $B$ are similar.
answered Jul 30, 2018 at 17:47
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The matrices $A$ and $B$ are similar since both of them are similar to the matrix $C$.
answered Jul 30, 2018 at 17:45
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$\begingroup$ So determining the basis in which A and B are the matrix C is irrelevant? That was the main thing I wasn't sure about. $\endgroup$– InfiGuyJul 30, 2018 at 17:46
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$\begingroup$ Yes, knowing that both of them are similar to $C$ is enough. $\endgroup$ Jul 30, 2018 at 17:47