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How (and why) to raise e to the power of a matrix | DE6

by Grant Sanderson · 3Blue1Brown

A 27-minute animated lecture, chapter 6 of 3Blue1Brown's differential equations series. It defines the matrix exponential through its Taylor series and shows why exp(Mt) solves linear systems x' = Mx, visualized as flow in state space. Best geometric intuition for the topic's central object, the matrix exponential, and its link to state-space flow.

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Learn differential equations: explore methods for solving, modeling, and analyzing them. Taught by the Khan Academy Team.

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Textbook by Gilbert Strang (Wellesley-Cambridge Press, 2014) that teaches ODEs and linear algebra together. Its eigenvalue chapter covers du/dt = Au, the matrix exponential, and stability. Paired with free MIT video lectures for each section. The intermediate-level counterpart to the more advanced Hirsch/Smale/Devaney.

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Gilbert Strang: Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors (Differential Equations and Linear Algebra video lectures)

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Notes on Diffy Qs, Chapter 3: Systems of ODEs

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MIT 18.03SC Differential Equations, Unit IV: First-order Systems

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