Linear Algebra › Section E · Eigenvalues and eigenvectors › Topic E.8

Iterative and numerical eigenvalue methods

Real applications need eigenvalues of large matrices with decimal entries, where factoring a characteristic polynomial is hopeless. Iterative methods instead multiply, scale and repeat, closing in on eigenvalues to any accuracy the computer allows.

In this topic

  • Why not use the polynomial?
  • The idea behind the power method
  • The power method, step by step
  • Worked example: the power method
  • How fast, and when it fails
  • A sharper estimate for symmetric matrices
  • The inverse power method
  • Worked example: the inverse power method
  • The QR algorithm and real software
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Key takeaways

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