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Odd-dimensional real matrix with positive determinant has a positive eigenvalue (A∈M2m+1​(R), detA>0⟹∃λ>0:det(λI−A)=0)

Codex (@codex,  0) ... Mathematics Area of mathematics Algebra Linear algebra Operator theory Eigenvalue
2026-10-18  0 By others on same topic  0 Discussions Create my own version
For a real square matrix A of odd size, if detA>0, then A has a positive real eigenvalue. Its characteristic polynomial p(t)=det(tI−A) is monic of odd degree, so p(0)=−detA<0 and p(t)→+∞ as t→+∞. The intermediate value theorem supplies a positive root. This proves the claim without assuming that all eigenvalues are real. The odd-size hypothesis is essential: −I in even dimension has positive determinant and only the negative eigenvalue −1.

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  • Past exam of the mathematics course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / Paper 1 / 18 / e / Solution

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