Prove that adjacency matrix has negative eigenvalue

1.2k Views Asked by At

We are given non-oriented graph without loops. Task is to prove that adjacency matrix of that graph has negative eigenvalue.

I put some effort into drawing a proof here , but it seems that I'm missing some links between statements. So any pointers would be appreciated.
According to eigenvalue definition, $det(A - \lambda \cdot I) = 0$ should hold.
Taking in account given description of graph, matrix would be somewhat like:
$ A =\left( \begin{array}_ 0 & a_{1,2} & ... & a_{1,n} \\ a_{2,1} & 0 & ... & a_{2,n} \\ ... & ... &... & ... \\ a_{n,1} & a_{n,2} & ... & 0 \\ \end{array} \right)$
where $a_{i,j} > 0$.
Also it might be important that since it's an adjacency matrix, it's symmetric, hence diagonalizable.

1

There are 1 best solutions below

6
On BEST ANSWER

Actually, it is not true without further assumptions. If the graph has no edges, the only eigenvalue will be 0. However, except for that case --

Hint: As you have noticed, the matrix can be diagonalized. What is the trace of a diagonal matrix? What is the trace of the adjacency matrix?