Eigenvalue and Eigenvector Calculator
An Eigenvalue and Eigenvector Calculator is a tool (either online, in software like MATLAB or Python, or in calculators like TI-89) used to compute the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a given square matrix.
What are Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors?
- Eigenvalues (λ) are special scalars associated with a square matrix A. They satisfy the equation: Av=λv where v is a nonzero vector (eigenvector).
- Eigenvectors are the corresponding vectors that remain in the same direction after transformation by A, only scaled by the eigenvalue.
Why are Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors Important?
- Engineering & Physics: Used in stability analysis, vibrations, quantum mechanics, etc.
- Machine Learning: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction.
- Computer Graphics: Used in transformations like rotations and scaling.
- Differential Equations: Solving systems of linear differential equations.
- Graph Theory: Used to analyze networks.
How Does an Eigenvalue and Eigenvector Calculator Work?
- Input: A square matrix A.
- Compute Eigenvalues:
- Solve the characteristic equation: det(A−λI)=0
- Find values of λ\lambda λ (roots of the determinant equation).
- Compute Eigenvectors:
- Solve (A − λI)v = 0 for each λ.
When to Use It?
- When dealing with large matrices (solving by hand is impractical).
- In scientific computing, machine learning, engineering, etc.
- When performing PCA, stability analysis, or quantum mechanics calculations.