3Blue1Brown
6 HN recommenders · recommended in 5 months, 2016–2025
17:16 · 6.4M views · Sep 15, 2016
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.
HN repeatedly names it the best, most intuitive explanation of eigenvalues, and a gateway to the whole linear algebra series.
6 comments from Hacker News
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]
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.
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
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)
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