The columns of a linear transformation matrix tell you where the basis vectors are going to end up after the transformation.

However, a better way is to find out is by computing the eigenvalues / eigenvectors.

See also projection.

Matrix Vector Product Intuition

Linear Transformations onto a number line can be interpreted as taking the dot product with a unique vector that corresponds to that transformation.

Projecting a vector onto the span of the unit vector:

That vector really is just shorthand for what happens if we squish all that space onto it / project the unit vectors onto it → Think through why red is longer than green in that example and you’ll see.


Linear transformation matrix