ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Eigenvalues and eigenvectors are like pieces to a puzzle. They are used to figure out how pieces of a puzzle fit together. An eigenvalue is like the size of a puzzle piece—it tells you how large the piece should be. An eigenvector is like the shape of the piece—it tells you what shape the piece should be. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors work together to help solve problems. They are used in many areas, like physics, engineering, and math.