Eigenvectors and eigenvalues

Bonnie Surfus (ENG) surfus at chuma.cas.usf.edu
Sat Feb 25 07:10:38 CST 1995


As Andrew points out, "eigen" is a translation of the "self," or "own."  
But I also have, in my Langenscheidt's Worterbuch, a few others, among 
them "strange," or "peculiar" (esp. in regard to compounds.)  Also, the 
"own" seems to be referring to "ownership."  "odd" is in there too.

After reading a couple of very helpful posts, this is beginning to make 
sense.  You see, the idea of a "vector" frightens and confuses me.  But 
I'm getting over it the more I read.

Maybe, if you're up to it, you (Timothy, Andrew, anyone) could try to 
make this term clearer for me in terms of how it's used relevant to 
characterization in _V._  I have some ideas, but don't want to put them 
out here unless they're sufficiently worked over because this is not my 
area.

Thanks.

Bonnie



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