English

Noun

characteristic polynomial ‎(plural characteristic polynomials)

1. (linear algebra) The determinant, of a matrix minus an indeterminant times the identity matrix

   The characteristic polynomial of is .

Usage notes

Equally many authors instead subtract the matrix from the indeterminant times the identity matrix. But the result only differs by multiplication by -1, which isn't important where characteristic polynomials are studied.

Translations

See also

• minimal polynomial
• eigenvector
• eigenvalue