While the spectral theory of compact operators is known to many, knowledge regarding the relationship between eigenvalues and approximation numbers might be less known. By examining these numbers in tandem, one may develop a link between eigenvalues and l^p spaces. In this paper, we develop the background of this connection with in-depth examples.

This paper deals with the symmetric approximation numbers as well as the other types of s-numbers. Concerning the s-numbers in the Banach spaces, namely the app- roximation numbers the Kolmogorov numbers and the Gelfand numbers, we present a few of possible definitions and some of their properties. We present the symmetric approximation numbers and their relation to the other s-numbers. We also focus on the s-numbers in the quasi-Banach spaces. The situation is a bit different, as we can not use the Hahn-Banach Theorem. Therefore some of the previous definitions and properties can not be retained. Moreover we define the symmetric approximation num- bers in the quasi-Banach spaces and discuss the problematics of this definition. Finally, we deal with the Carl's inequality regarding the entropy numbers and the s-numbers. We derive the proof for the symmetric approximation numbers in both Banach and quasi-Banach case. 1