Eigenvalues are associated with eigenvectors in Linear algebra. Both terms are used in the analysis of linear transformations. Eigenvalues are the special set of scalar values that is associated with the set of linear equations most probably in the matrix equations. The eigenvectors are also termed as characteristic roots. It is a non-zero vector that can be changed at most by its scalar factor after the application of linear transformations. And the corresponding factor which scales the eigenvectors is called an eigenvalue.

Table of contents:

• Definition
• Eigenvectors
• Square matrices eigenvalues
• Properties
• Example
• Eigenvalue of 2×2 matrix
• Practice Problems
• FAQs

Eigenvalue Definition

Eigenvalues are the special set of scalars associated with the system of linear equations. It is mostly used in matrix equations. ‘Eigen’ is a German word that means ‘proper’ or ‘characteristic’. Therefore, the term eigenvalue can be termed as characteristic value, characteristic root, proper values or latent roots as well. In simple words, the eigenvalue is a scalar that is used to transform the eigenvector. The basic equation is

Ax = λx

The number or scalar value “λ” is an eigenvalue of A.

In Mathematics, an eigenvector corresponds to the real non zero eigenvalues which point in the direction stretched by the transformation whereas eigenvalue is considered as a factor by which it is stretched. In case, if the eigenvalue is negative, the direction of the transformation is negative.

For every real matrix,  there is an eigenvalue. Sometimes it might be complex. The existence of the eigenvalue for the complex matrices is equal to the fundamental theorem of algebra.

What are EigenVectors?

Eigenvectors are the vectors (non-zero) that do not change the direction when any linear transformation is applied. It changes by only a scalar factor. In a brief, we can say, if A is a linear transformation from a vector space V and x is a vector in V, which is not a zero vector, then v is an eigenvector of A if A(X) is a scalar multiple of x.

An Eigenspace of vector x consists of a set of all eigenvectors with the equivalent eigenvalue collectively with the zero vector. Though, the zero vector is not an eigenvector.

Let us say A is an “n × n” matrix and λ is an eigenvalue of matrix A, then x, a non-zero vector, is called as eigenvector if it satisfies the given below expression;

Ax = λx

x is an eigenvector of A corresponding to eigenvalue, λ.

Note:

• There could be infinitely many Eigenvectors, corresponding to one eigenvalue.
• For distinct eigenvalues, the eigenvectors are linearly dependent.

Eigenvalues of a Square Matrix

Suppose, A_n×n is a square matrix, then [A- λI] is called an Eigen or characteristic matrix, which is an indefinite or undefined scalar. Where determinant of Eigen matrix can be written as, |A- λI| and |A- λI| = 0 is the Eigen equation or characteristics equation, where “I” is the identity matrix. The roots of an Eigen matrix are called Eigen roots.

Eigenvalues of a triangular matrix and diagonal matrix are equivalent to the elements on the principal diagonals. But eigenvalues of the scalar matrix are the scalar only.

Properties of Eigenvalues

• Eigenvectors with Distinct Eigenvalues are Linearly Independent
• Singular Matrices have Zero Eigenvalues
• If A is a square matrix, then λ = 0 is not an eigenvalue of A
• For a scalar multiple of a matrix: If A is a square matrix and λ is an eigenvalue of A. Then, aλ is an eigenvalue of aA.
• For Matrix powers: If A is square matrix and λ is an eigenvalue of A and n≥0 is an integer, then λⁿ is an eigenvalue of Aⁿ.
• For polynomials of matrix: If A is a square matrix, λ is an eigenvalue of A and  p(x) is a polynomial in variable x, then p(λ) is the eigenvalue of matrix p(A).
• Inverse Matrix: If A is a square matrix, λ is an eigenvalue of A, then λ^-1 is an eigenvalue of A^-1
• Transpose matrix: If A is a square matrix, λ is an eigenvalue of A, then λ is an eigenvalue of A^t

EigenValue Example

In this shear mapping, the blue arrow changes direction, whereas the pink arrow does not. Here, the pink arrow is an eigenvector because it does not change direction. Also, the length of this arrow is not changed; its eigenvalue is 1.

Eigenvalues of 2 x 2 Matrix

Let us have a look at the example given below to learn how to find the eigenvalues of a 2 x 2 matrix.

Solution:

Given,

Using the characteristic equation,

|A – λI| = 0

-λ(4 – λ) – (-2)(0) = 0

-4λ + λ² = 0

λ(λ – 4) = 0

λ = 0 or λ – 4 = 0

Thus, λ = 0 or λ = 4

Hence, the two eigenvalues of the given matrix are λ = 0 and λ = 4.

Go through the following problem to find the Eigenvalue of 3 x 3 matrix.

Example: 

Solution:

To find: Eigenvalues, λi

We know that  λi are the roots of det (A-λI)

Where, “I” is the identity Matrix.

Hence, 

Practice Problems

Find the Eigenvalues for the following Matrices.

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