Matrix L2 Norm Definition

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Might be an odd question, but why the l2 norm of a matrix is defined the way it is defined? Given the definition,

$$\|A\|_2 = \text{max} \frac{\|Ax\|_2}{\|x\|_2}$$

Specifically:

  • why is it the maximum of the argument rather than the minimum, for example?
  • Also, why do we divide by the l2 norm of a vector?
  • Also, why do we need a vector to define a norm of a matrix at all?

I'm not a mathematician, so if these questions seem weird, sorry in advance.

Thanks.