8) Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 1. What are Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors? When a linear transformation is applied to a vector, some vectors only scale without changing direction. These special vectors are called eigenvectors , and the scaling factor is called the eigenvalue . Mathematical Definition A v = λ v Where A is a square matrix, v is an eigenvector, and λ is the eigenvalue. Real-World Meaning Physics: Eigenvectors represent stable states (e.g., vibration modes in mechanics). Machine Learning: PCA finds important patterns using eigenvectors. Computer Graphics: Used in transformations like shearing and rotations. 2. How to Compute Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors To find the eigenvalues of a matrix A , solve the characteristic equation: det(A - λI) = 0 Steps: Compute A - λI , where I is the identity matrix. Solve det(A - λI) = 0 to find eigenvalues λ . For each λ , solve (A - λ...