nLab eigenvector

Definition

Definition

Given a linear endomorphism, an eigenvector of it is a vector which is taken by the linear map to a multiple of itself. This multiple is called the eigenvalue of the eigenvector.

It is sometimes required that an eigenvector is not the zero vector.

If the linear map acts as a differential operator on a space of functions, its eigenvectors are sometimes called eigenfunctions.

Last revised on November 19, 2023 at 00:39:42. See the history of this page for a list of all contributions to it.