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Vectors | Chapter 1, Essence of linear algebra

3Blue1Brown · course · Watch on YouTube

Pure mathematicsRecreational & visual math

What it is

The first chapter of 3Blue1Brown's Essence of Linear Algebra series, introducing vectors with animated geometric visuals. It begins a series that builds intuition for linear algebra from the basics.

Why Hacker News recommends it

HN's go-to recommendation for learning linear algebra intuition, repeatedly credited with making concepts click and complementing textbooks.

  • 17 people recommended it
  • 18 different months
  • 14 strong recommendations
  • first 2018, last 2026

What HN commenters said

  1. “the most welcoming and informative introduction to the topic I've ever seen”

    Most welcoming and informative intro to linear algebra

    nicebill8, 2018-12 · Strong recommendation · in “Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors, Matrices, and Least Squares”

  2. “His explanations are so clear that by the 2nd or 3rd video you'll already understand how it applies to computer graphics.”

    Clear explanations applying linear algebra to graphics

    PinkMilkshake, 2019-01 · Strong recommendation · in “How to Start Learning Computer Graphics Programming”

  3. “is the go to place for learning this material”

    The go-to series for learning linear algebra

    aidos, 2019-02 · Strong recommendation · in “Immersive Linear Algebra (2016)”

  4. “3blue1brown's playlist on the subject is just ... perfect.”

    Perfect visual intuition for linear algebra including eigenvectors

    daeken, 2019-03 · Strong recommendation · in “An Intuitive Derivation of Eigenvectors”

  5. “nothing is as intuitive as 3B1B's series on YouTube”

    Most intuitive linear algebra treatment, via linear transformations

    vecter, 2020-02 · Strong recommendation · in “An Intuitive Guide to Linear Algebra (2012)”

  6. “I strongly recommend 3blue1brown's intro to linear algebra[0] for quick intuitions”

    Quick intuitions, graphics helpful early on

    dr_zoidberg, 2020-10 · Strong recommendation · in “A Programmer’s Intuition for Matrix Multiplication”

  7. “The videos on linear algebra in particular are worth it, especially if you do any sort of machine learning”

    Nicely made math explainers, linear algebra videos especially worth it

    truly, 2021-11 · Strong recommendation · in “SoME1 results”

  8. “Spending a few hours on this series will easily save you dozens of hours when going through a comprehensive LA textbook.”

    A few hours saves dozens when studying a textbook

    laplacesdemon48, 2022-04 · Strong recommendation · in “An Intuitive Guide to Linear Algebra”

Excerpts from Hacker News comments, linked to the originals. Summaries and labels were written by a language model from those comments.

Topics: vectors, linear algebra, visual intuition, 3blue1brown, machine learning math

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