(a) Let A and A′ be the matrices of a linear map L on C2 relative to bases B and B′ respectively. In this question you may assume without proof that A and A′ are similar.
(i) State how the matrix A of L relative to the basis B={e1,e2} is constructed from L and B. Also state how A may be used to compute Lv for any v∈C2.
(ii) Show that A and A′ have the same characteristic equation.
(iii) Show that for any k=0 the matrices
(abcd) and (abkc/kd)
are similar. [Hint: if {e1,e2} is a basis then so is {ke1,e2}.]
(b) Using the results of (a), or otherwise, prove that any 2×2 complex matrix M with equal eigenvalues is similar to one of
(a00a) and (a01a) with a∈C.
(c) Consider the matrix
B(r)=21⎝⎛1+r1−r−11−r1+r11−12r⎠⎞
Show that there is a real value r0>0 such that B(r0) is an orthogonal matrix. Show that B(r0) is a rotation and find the axis and angle of the rotation.