eigenvalue — Englisches Wörterbuch

Substantiv

1. A scalar λ, such that there exists a non-zero vector x (a corresponding eigenvector) for which the image of x under a given linear transformation A is equal to the image of x under multiplication by λ; i.e. Ax=λx.

   Synonyme

   characteristic rootcharacteristic valueeigenrootlatent valueproper value

   Beispiele

   Weitere Beispiele (4)

   In the extension, one associates eigenvalues, sets of scalars, with arrays of matrices by considering the singularity of linear combinations of the matrices in the various rows, involving the same coefficients in each case. Attention to this area was called in the early 1920's by R. D. Carmichael, who pointed out in addition the enormous variety of mixed eigenvalue problems with several parameters.

   For many quantum-mechanical problems it is important to investigate the change of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions with the continuous change of one or more parameters. The case in which one knows the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for two special values of the parameters, and is interested in the region in between is particularly interesting.

   Problems that require an investigation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions arise in connection with numerous topics in mechanics, the theory of vibrations and stability, hydrodynamics, elasticity, acoustics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc.

   To find all the eigenvalues of A, solve the characteristic equation. ¶ For each eigenvalue λ, to find the corresponding set of eigenvectors, solve the linear system of equations […]

Substantiv

1. (mathematics) any number such that a given square matrix minus that number times the identity matrix has a zero determinant

   Synonyme

   eigenvalue of a matrixeigenvalue of a square matrixcharacteristic root of a square matrix

   Oberbegriffe

   value