Question:hard

Consider the matrix \(A = \begin{bmatrix} 2 & 2 & 3 \\ 2 & 5 & 6 \\ 3 & 4 & 10 \end{bmatrix}\). Which ONE of the following options CORRECTLY lists the eigenvalues of \(A\)?

Show Hint

Expand det(A - lambda I) into a cubic, find one integer root by inspection, then factor out a quadratic and use the quadratic formula for the remaining two eigenvalues.
Updated On: Aug 14, 2026
  • \(1;\ 8-\sqrt{37};\ -8+\sqrt{37}\)
  • \(2;\ 8-\sqrt{37};\ -8+\sqrt{37}\)
  • \(1;\ 8+\sqrt{37};\ 8-\sqrt{37}\)
  • \(2;\ 8+\sqrt{37};\ 8+\sqrt{37}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

An efficient cross-check uses the invariants of the matrix instead of expanding the full determinant symbolically. The trace of $A$ (sum of the diagonal entries) is $2+5+10=17$, and this must equal the sum of the eigenvalues. Only options where the three eigenvalues add up to $17$ can be correct. Checking option (C), $1 + (8+\sqrt{37}) + (8-\sqrt{37}) = 1+16 = 17$, which matches. Checking option (A), $1+(8-\sqrt{37})+(-8+\sqrt{37}) = 1+0 = 1 \ne 17$, so that option is ruled out immediately. Option (B) gives $2 + 0 = 2 \ne 17$, also ruled out. Option (D) gives $2+2(8+\sqrt{37}) = 18+2\sqrt{37} \approx 30.2 \ne 17$, ruled out as well. As a second check, the determinant of $A$ must equal the product of the eigenvalues; expanding $\det(A)$ directly gives $\det(A) = 2(50-24)-2(20-18)+3(8-15) = 52-4-21=27$. For option (C), the product is $1\times(8+\sqrt{37})(8-\sqrt{37}) = 1\times(64-37)=27$, which matches perfectly. Both invariants confirm the same set.

\[\boxed{\lambda = 1,\ 8+\sqrt{37},\ 8-\sqrt{37}}\]
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