6.5M views · Sep 15, 2016 · 17:16 · 6 HN recommenders · 6 mentions · discussed 2016–2025
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.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN repeatedly names it the best, most intuitive explanation of eigenvalues, and a gateway to the whole linear algebra series.
“By far the best explanation of eigenvalues is found on 3blue1brown”HN comment, 2022
“this video is a very nice introduction”
Visual introduction to eigenvalues.
On the topic of eigenvalues, this video is a very nice introduction: this video (the whole playlist kicks ass; highly recommended for anyone interested in "seeing" what linear algebra is all about)
“3Blue1Brown explanation of eigenvectors and eigenvalues is very insightful and intuitive”
Intuitive explanation of eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
3Blue1Brown explanation of eigenvectors and eigenvalues is very insightful and intuitive [1]. One of my favorite videos from his channel is "Who cares about topology? (Inscribed rectangle problem)" [2]. They way a Torus and Möbius Strip come up as solution to the problem is so elegant. [1]: this video [2]: link
“A far easier to digest primer on eigenvalues is available from 3Blue1Brown”
Approachable primer on eigenvalues.
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. [+] this video
“By far the best explanation of eigenvalues is found on 3blue1brown”
Best explanation of eigenvalues.
By far the best explanation of eigenvalues is found on 3blue1brown: this 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.
“His entire series on Linear Algebra is incredibly well produced.”
Made eigenvalues click; series is well produced.
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] this video
“All of the videos in the series, including this later one on eigen-things, focus on animations”
Animated eigen-concepts built on visual foundations.
3Blue1Brown has a good series on YouTube for building intuition in linear algebra: link In one of the last videos in the (relatively short) series, he discusses eigen-*: ~'eigen-stuffs are straight-forward but only make sense if you have a solid visual understanding of the pre-requisites (linear transformations, determinants, linear systems of equations, change of basis, etc.). Confusion about eigen-stuffs usually has more to do with a shaky foundation than the eigen-things themselves' this video All of the videos in the series, including this later one on eigen-things, focus on animations to show what the number crunching is doing to the coordinate system.
