Eigenvectors and eigenvalues | Chapter 14, Essence of linear algebra

3Blue1Brown · 6.4M views · 2016-09-15 · 17:16

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Overview

3Blue1Brown's chapter on eigenvectors and eigenvalues in the Essence of Linear Algebra series. It builds a visual intuition for what they mean, why an eigenbasis is useful, and ends with a puzzle.

On Hacker News

HN repeatedly names it the best, most intuitive explanation of eigenvalues, and a gateway to the whole linear algebra series.

Recommended by 6 HN people across 5 months · HN mentions 2016–2025

Topics

Pure mathematics Recreational & visual math

What people said

mportela · 2025-03 · Strong recommendation
Then definitely what 3Blue1Brown's video on eigenvalues and eigenvectors. [1] That's when I clicked to me! His entire series on Linear Algebra is incredibly well produced. [1] [VIDEO]
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raydiatian · 2022-11 · Strong recommendation
A far easier to digest primer on eigenvalues is available from 3Blue1Brown [+]. His presentation format is undeniably approachable, so much so that I think you could probably use it to teach linear algebra and eigenvectors to 9-year olds. [+] [VIDEO]
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scmitton · 2022-11 · Strong recommendation
By far the best explanation of eigenvalues is found on 3blue1brown: [VIDEO] Seriously, the course on the essence of linear algebra did more for me than my entire college linear algebra course. It's only a pity I discovered the videos at the end of my mechanical engineering degree and not sooner.
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Sources

Video by 3Blue1Brown, played through YouTube.

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