Matrix Methods for Computational Modeling and Data Analytics Virginia Tech Spring 2019 · Mark Embree
[email protected] Chapter 6 The Singular Value Decomposition Ax=b version of 11 April 2019 The singular value decomposition (SVD) is among the most important and widely applicable matrix factorizations. It provides a natural way to untangle a matrix into its four fundamental subspaces, and reveals the relative importance of each direction within those subspaces. Thus the singular value decomposition is a vital tool for analyzing data, and it provides a slick way to understand (and prove) many fundamental results in matrix theory. It is the perfect tool for solving least squares problems, and provides the best way to approximate a matrix with one of lower rank. These notes construct the SVD in various forms, then describe a few of its most compelling applications. 6.1 Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of symmetric matrices To derive the singular value decomposition of a general (rectangu- lar) matrix A IR m n, we shall rely on several special properties of 2 ⇥ the square, symmetric matrix ATA. While this course assumes you are well acquainted with eigenvalues and eigenvectors, we will re- call some fundamental concepts, especially pertaining to symmetric matrices. 6.1.1 A passing nod to complex numbers Recall that even if a matrix has real number entries, it could have eigenvalues that are complex numbers; the corresponding eigenvec- tors will also have complex entries. Consider, for example, the matrix 0 1 S = − . " 10# 73 To find the eigenvalues of S, form the characteristic polynomial l 1 det(lI S)=det = l2 + 1.