This document provides an introduction to eigenvalues and eigenvectors, including their definition, calculation, properties, and applications. Eigenvalues represent scaling factors of eigenvectors under a linear transformation. To calculate them, the determinant of (A - λI) is set equal to 0 and solved for λ. Eigenvectors correspond to directions unchanged by the transformation and eigenvalues indicate the amount of stretching or compression. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors have diverse applications in fields like engineering, physics, and quantum mechanics.