Graph Representation Learning: Question about eigenvector of Laplacian

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the graph Laplacian matrix, defined as L = D - A, where D is the degree matrix and A is the adjacency matrix. The user seeks an intuitive understanding of what an eigenvector of the Laplacian graph represents. Additionally, the conversation references a related thread discussing the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix and their relation to closed walks on the graph. For further exploration, the user is directed to search for "graph Laplacian matrix eigenvalues" on SearchOnMath.

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  • Understanding of graph theory concepts, specifically Laplacian matrices.
  • Familiarity with eigenvalues and eigenvectors in linear algebra.
  • Knowledge of adjacency matrices and degree matrices.
  • Basic principles of deep learning as applied to graph networks.
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  • Research the properties and applications of the graph Laplacian matrix in spectral graph theory.
  • Learn about the significance of eigenvectors in the context of graph partitioning and clustering.
  • Explore the relationship between eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix and graph traversal methods.
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Master1022
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TL;DR
What does the eigenvector of the laplacian matrix actually represent?
Hi,

I was reading the following book about applying deep learning to graph networks: link. In chapter 2 (page 22), they introduce the graph Laplacian matrix ##L##:
L = D - A
where ##D## is the degree matrix (it is diagonal) and ##A## is the adjacency matrix.

Question:
What does an eigenvector of a Laplacian graph actually represent on an intuitive level?

Also, I apologize if this is the wrong forum - should I have posted elsewhere?

Thanks in advance.
 
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If you haven't found the answer to your question, please see this thread. It talks about the fact that the eigenvalues of the adjacency matrix describe closed walks on the graph, and much more.

You can find other results, searching, for instance, for "graph Laplacian matrix eigenvalues " on SearchOnMath.
 
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