Alphabeta Math
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-13
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For every finite-dimensional space, σF(T) is exactly the set of roots in F of χT

Statement

For an endomorphism T of a finite-dimensional F-vector space,

σF(T)={λ∈F:χT(λ)=0}.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finite-dimensional F-vector space V and T∈L(V).

[L1]

In any basis, χT is the characteristic polynomial of the representing matrix; in dimension zero it is 1 (The basis-independent characteristic polynomial χT of an endomorphism of a finite-dimensional space, including χT=1 in dimension zero).

[L2]

A scalar λ is an eigenvalue exactly when T−λIV is not invertible (For a finite-dimensional space, λ is an eigenvalue of T if and only if T−λI is not invertible).

[L3]

A finite-dimensional endomorphism is invertible exactly when its determinant is nonzero (A finite-dimensional linear operator over a field is invertible if and only if its determinant is nonzero).

[L4]

A root of a polynomial is a scalar at which its evaluation is zero (Evaluation and roots of a polynomial in a commutative target ring).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

If dim⁡V=0, the spectrum is empty because there is no nonzero eigenvector, while [L1] gives χT=1, which has no root.

L1L4
1.2

Suppose dim⁡V=n≥1 and choose a basis with matrix A=[T]. Then χT(λ)=det⁡(λIn−A)=(−1)ndet⁡(A−λIn).

L1algebra
2.1

The scalar (−1)n is nonzero. Thus step 1.2, [L3], and [L2] give χT(λ)=0 if and only if T−λIV is not invertible if and only if λ∈σF(T).

step 1.2L2L3L4
3.1

Steps 1.1 and 2.1 prove the set equality in every finite dimension and prove both directions of the equivalence.

step 1.1step 2.1∎

Depends on

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