Difference between revisions of "Eigenvalue"

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In [[linear algebra]], an '''eigenvector''' of a [[linear map]] <math>L</math> refers to a non-zero [[vector]] such that applying <math>L</math> to this vector does not change the direction of the vector. In other words, <math>L \bold{v} = \lambda \bold{v}</math> for some scalar constant <math>\lambda</math>. Here, <math>\lambda</math> is known as the '''eigenvalue'''. The '''eigenspace''' of an eigenvalue refers to the set of all eigenvectors that correspond with that eigenvalue, and is a [[vector space]].
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In [[linear algebra]], an '''eigenvector''' of a [[linear map]] <math>L</math> is a non-zero [[vector]] <math>\bold{v}</math> such that applying <math>L</math> to <math>\bold{v}</math> results in a vector in the same direction as <math>v</math> (including possibly the zero vector). In other words, <math>\bold{v}</math> is an eigenvector for <math>L</math> if and only if there is some scalar constant <math>\lambda</math> such that <math>L \bold{v} = \lambda \bold{v}</math>. Here, <math>\lambda</math> is known as the '''eigenvalue''' associated to the eigenvector. The '''eigenspace''' of an eigenvalue refers to the set of all eigenvectors that correspond with that eigenvalue, and is a [[vector space]]; in particular, it is a subspace of the domain of the map <math>L</math>.
  
 
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[[Category:Linear algebra]]
 
[[Category:Linear algebra]]

Latest revision as of 18:32, 2 March 2010

In linear algebra, an eigenvector of a linear map $L$ is a non-zero vector $\bold{v}$ such that applying $L$ to $\bold{v}$ results in a vector in the same direction as $v$ (including possibly the zero vector). In other words, $\bold{v}$ is an eigenvector for $L$ if and only if there is some scalar constant $\lambda$ such that $L \bold{v} = \lambda \bold{v}$. Here, $\lambda$ is known as the eigenvalue associated to the eigenvector. The eigenspace of an eigenvalue refers to the set of all eigenvectors that correspond with that eigenvalue, and is a vector space; in particular, it is a subspace of the domain of the map $L$.

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