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Derive eigenvalues and sum for inverse matrix

Last updated: Mar 29, 2026

Quick Overview

This question evaluates understanding of matrix spectral properties, specifically the relationship between the eigenvalues of an invertible matrix and those of its inverse, plus familiarity with matrix invariants like the trace.

  • easy
  • DRW
  • Statistics & Math
  • Data Scientist

Derive eigenvalues and sum for inverse matrix

Company: DRW

Role: Data Scientist

Category: Statistics & Math

Difficulty: easy

Interview Round: Onsite

Let A be an invertible n×n matrix with eigenvalues {λ1, …, λn} (all nonzero). Prove that the eigenvalues of A^{-1} are {1/λ1, …, 1/λn}. Then compute the sum of the eigenvalues of A^{-1} and express it in terms of A (e.g., as tr(A^{-1})); discuss any assumptions needed for these equalities to hold.

Quick Answer: This question evaluates understanding of matrix spectral properties, specifically the relationship between the eigenvalues of an invertible matrix and those of its inverse, plus familiarity with matrix invariants like the trace.

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DRW
Jul 28, 2025, 12:00 AM
Data Scientist
Onsite
Statistics & Math
4
0

Eigenvalues of an Inverse and Their Sum

Context

Let A be an invertible n×n matrix (over the real or complex numbers). All eigenvalues of A are nonzero because A is invertible.

Tasks

  1. Prove that the eigenvalues of A^{-1} are {1/λ1, …, 1/λn}, where {λ1, …, λn} are the eigenvalues of A (counted with algebraic multiplicity).
  2. Compute the sum of the eigenvalues of A^{-1} and express it in terms of A (e.g., as tr(A^{-1})).
  3. State any assumptions needed for these equalities to hold.

Solution

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