Eigenvalues are a fundamental concept in linear algebra, particularly in the study of linear transformations and systems of linear equations. An eigenvalue is a scalar associated with a square matrix such that there exists a non-zero vector (called an eigenvector) satisfying the equation:
This means that when the matrix acts on the eigenvector , the output is simply the eigenvector scaled by the eigenvalue . Eigenvalues provide significant insight into the properties of a matrix, such as its stability and the behavior of dynamical systems. They are crucial in various applications including principal component analysis, vibrations in mechanical systems, and quantum mechanics.
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