Question Details


M = ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T ) be a matrix where  1 = ( 1 , 1 , , 1 ) ) T R n   


is the identity matrix of order n. The value  max x x S x T M x  where 


S = { x R n | x T x = 1 }   is ________.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

1

Solution :

The correct answer is 1.

Here is the step-by-step explanation of how to find the maximum value of the quadratic form.

Step 1: Understand the Given Matrix and Set
We are given a matrix M defined as:
M = I n - 1 n 1 1 T
where In is the n×n identity matrix, and 1=(1,1,,1)T is a column vector of all ones of dimension n.
We want to maximize the expression xTMx over the set of unit vectors:
S = { x R n | x T x = 1 }

Step 2: Relate to Eigenvalues (Rayleigh Quotient)
For any symmetric matrix M, the maximum value of xTMx subject to the constraint xTx=1 is equal to the largest eigenvalue (λmax) of the matrix M:
max x T x = 1 x T M x = λ max ( M )

Step 3: Analyze the Matrix Properties
Let us check the properties of M.
First, M is symmetric because:
M T = ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T ) T = I n T - 1 n ( 1 1 T ) T = I n - 1 n 1 1 T = M
Second, M is an idempotent matrix (a projection matrix):
M 2 = ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T ) ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T )
Expanding this product gives:
M 2 = I n - 2 n 1 1 T + 1 n 2 1 ( 1 T 1 ) 1 T
Since 1T1=n (the dot product of the ones vector with itself is n), we get:
M 2 = I n - 2 n 1 1 T + n n 2 1 1 T = I n - 1 n 1 1 T = M

Step 4: Find the Eigenvalues of M
Since M is an idempotent projection matrix, its eigenvalues can only be 0 or 1.
Let us find the eigenvectors corresponding to these eigenvalues:
1. If we multiply M by the vector 1:
M 1 = ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T ) 1 = 1 - 1 n 1 ( 1 T 1 ) = 1 - n n 1 = 0
Thus, λ=0 is an eigenvalue of M corresponding to the eigenvector 1 (with multiplicity 1).

2. For any vector v that is orthogonal to 1 (meaning 1Tv=0):
M v = ( I n - 1 n 1 1 T ) v = v - 1 n 1 ( 1 T v ) = v - 0 = v
Thus, λ=1 is an eigenvalue of M with multiplicity n-1 (corresponding to the subspace orthogonal to 1).

Conclusion
Since the eigenvalues of M are 0 and 1, the maximum eigenvalue of M is 1. Therefore, the maximum value of xTMx subject to xTx=1 is 1.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Discover more resources

You may also like

Mock Tests

View All
  • CTET
  • intermediate
  • No time limit
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

  • SSC
  • intermediate
  • 2 hours and 30 mins
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...