Diagonalization of the cross-product matrix

Abstract

The paper considers diagonalization of the cross-product matrices, i.e., skew-symmetric matrices of order three. A procedure to determine a nonsingular matrix, which yields the diagonalization is indicated. Furthermore, a method to derive the inverse of a diagonalizing matrix is proposed by means of a formula for the Moore–Penrose inverse of any matrix, which is columnwise partitioned into two matrices having disjoint ranges. This rather nonstandard method to obtain the inverse of a nonsingular matrix is appealing, as it can be applied to any diagonalizing matrix, and not only of those originating from diagonalization of the cross-product matrices. The paper provides also comments and examples demonstrating applicability of the diagonalization procedure to calculate roots of a cross-product matrix.

Keywords

• Skew-symmetric matrix
• Moore–Penrose inverse
• Partitioned matrix
• Eigenspace