What are Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors?
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are fundamental concepts in linear algebra and have wide-ranging applications in physics, engineering, and data science.
- Eigenvalue: A scalar value that, when multiplied with an eigenvector, results in the same vector scaled by that value.
- Eigenvector: A non-zero vector that, when a linear transformation is applied, changes only by a scalar factor.
How to Use Our Eigen Value Eigen Vector Calculator
- Enter the dimensions of your square matrix.
- Input the matrix elements.
- Click “Calculate” to get the eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
Our calculator will provide:
- All eigenvalues of the matrix
- Corresponding eigenvectors
- The characteristic equation
The Calculation Process
- Characteristic Equation: We form the characteristic equation |A - λI| = 0, where A is the input matrix, λ represents eigenvalues, and I is the identity matrix.
- Solving for Eigenvalues: We solve the characteristic equation to find the eigenvalues.
- Finding Eigenvectors: For each eigenvalue, we solve (A - λI)v = 0 to find the corresponding eigenvectors.
Example Calculation
Let’s consider a 2x2 matrix:
A = [3 1] [1 3]
- Characteristic equation: (3-λ)(3-λ) - 1 = 0
- Solving: λ² - 6λ + 8 = 0
- Eigenvalues: λ₁ = 4, λ₂ = 2
- Eigenvectors:
- For λ₁ = 4: v₁ = [1, 1]
- For λ₂ = 2: v₂ = [-1, 1]
Applications of Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
- Physics: Describing rotational motion and vibration analysis.
- Computer Graphics: 3D transformations and image processing.
- Data Science: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimensionality reduction.
- Quantum Mechanics: Solving Schrödinger’s equation.
Tips for Eigen Analysis
- Always check if your matrix is square before calculating eigenvalues.
- For symmetric matrices, all eigenvalues are real.
- The sum of eigenvalues equals the trace of the matrix (sum of diagonal elements).
- The product of eigenvalues equals the determinant of the matrix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can all matrices have eigenvalues and eigenvectors?
A: All square matrices have eigenvalues, but not all have a full set of eigenvectors. Matrices that do are called diagonalizable.
Q: How are complex eigenvalues handled?
A: Our calculator can handle complex eigenvalues, displaying them in the form a + bi.
Q: What’s the difference between eigendecomposition and singular value decomposition (SVD)?
A: Eigendecomposition is applicable to square matrices, while SVD can be applied to any m x n matrix.
Q: How can I interpret negative eigenvalues?
A: Negative eigenvalues indicate a reflection in the direction of the corresponding eigenvector.
Q: Are eigenvectors unique?
A: Eigenvectors are not unique; any non-zero scalar multiple of an eigenvector is also an eigenvector for the same eigenvalue.
Eigen analysis is a powerful tool in linear algebra with diverse applications. Our eigen value eigen vector calculator simplifies these complex calculations, allowing you to focus on understanding and applying the results. Ready to tackle your matrix problems? Try our calculator now and unlock the power of eigen analysis!