Book Description

Linear algebra is relatively easy for students during the early stages of the course, when the material is presented in a familiar, concrete setting. But when abstract concepts are introduced, students often hit a brick wall. Instructors seem to agree that certain concepts (such as linear independence, spanning, subspace, vector space, and linear transformations), are not easily understood, and require time to assimilate. Since they are fundamental to the study of linear algebra, students' understanding of these concepts is vital to their mastery of the subject. Lay introduces these concepts early in a familiar, concrete Rn setting, develops them gradually, and returns to them again and again throughout the text so that when discussed in the abstract, these concepts are more accessible.

Customer Reviews (9)

Pretty bad
This book starts out well, but eventually the chapters are too short and don't go far enough in depth on the more advanced topics.This book isn't ideal for any sort of self-study, as it does not contain enough information to thoroughly educate the reader on many of the subjects without some supplementary instruction.Also does not go into any detail on using Mat Lab or any other form of programming to solve linear algebra, which is somewhat essential nowadays.Wouldn't recommend.

An outstanding introduction to Linear Algebra
This book provides a good companion for an introductory course in Linear Algebra.Mr. Lay's style is very clear, readable, and each concept logically builds on the last.My only concern is that, like another reviewer said there is the occasional gap between the exercises and the examples presented, which may require the assistance of the instructor.4/5 Stars

A very good introduction to linear algebra
The highest quality of a book is the ability to teach yourself from it.Lay's book is very self-teachable because it is written in a non-pretentious, explanatory way, making sure you get the big picture while making sure you can do the little details.It reminds me of Griffiths books in physics.

It is a little proof light, so I can respect that a mathematician who is into analysis might find this book too easy.Problems aren't too hard but aren't too easy for the more conceptual questions.

And I appreciate that the problems are meant to test your ability to understand the material, not do mindless calculations that I know anyone can do.For example, some matrices will just start off already diagonalized for you in later chapters.

This is written from the perspective of a physicist.I thus say to my fellow scientists that this is a great book to gain a good understanding of the linear algebra.If you are an experimentalist who frankly wants to learn only what he needs to in order to get by, THEN THIS BOOK ISN'T FOR YOU.This book develops from scratch everything you need to know for undergraduate physics.Go read a Differential Equations book and learn as you go for the linear algebra.If you're a theorist, this is for you.

Good for the basics
I bought this book in June for a Linear Algebra course I will be starting in the fall. I've been looking through it and reading bits and pieces and from what I see I certainly like this guy's style. I've had completely unusable math books before but this is one of the few that I can use without the assistance of a teacher to at least begin to understand the basic concepts involved. Since I'll be taking the course as a high school student and not asa college student this book seems like it will do just fine to introduce concepts, and, from what I hear, the teacher who is taking over this course in the fall is excellent at explaining stuff so students understand it. Maybe after taking the course I'll change my mind, but for now Linear Algebra and Its Applications is one of the better math books I've ever used.

High Quality Linear Algebra Text!
This book is much better than what I feel some reviewers are giving it credit for. Perhaps they have had better exposure than I have to other materials for comparison, but I cannot say for sure.

What I can say is that this book, for me, nearly took the place of the instructor that I had for the course. The book is literally that good at explaining concepts to you and providing relevant examples. I'm not sure what some reviewers meant when they found a gap between the examples and the problems at the end of the chapters, but I did not have this problem anywhere that I can recall.

What I like most about this book, compared to most of the math books I've seen in my day (more than enough, I assure you) is the format of the writing and the exposition of the problems. There are clear, clear connections made between visual and mechanical aspects of the problem. When you are working a linear algebra problem from the book, you should have a good idea of visually what it looks like that you're doing, where columns and rows are positioned, what elements from each are multiplying by the other and what the end result should look like before you get there. I don't typically get this vivid connection between the abstract visualization of the problem and the actual mechanics in other books, but this one poured it on consistently and I really enjoyed that.

The writing style is also casual enough that you don't feel as if you're being led through chapter after chapter of rote and repetition. Instead, it feels like you're being led further and further toward your understanding of the subject and you really are learning something new along the way at each step.

Regardless of what others say, I think that if you have the financial means and the interest, you should definitely include this book in your repertoire of linear algebra references. It is a gem, a guide and an indispensable reference for the subject. There is no other linear algebra text like it.

... Read more

Book Description

Intended for developmental math courses in beginning algebra, this text retains the hallmark features that have made the Aufmann texts market leaders: an interactive approach in an objective-based framework: a clear writing style, and an emphasis on problem-solving strategies. The acclaimed Aufmann Interactive Method, allows students to try a skill as it is introduced with matched-pair examples, offering students immediate feedback, reinforcing the concept, identifying problem areas, and, overall, promoting student success.

• New! Interactive Exercises appear at the beginning of an objective's exercise set (when appropriate), and provide students with guided practice on some of the objective's underlying principles.
• New! Think About It Exercises are conceptual in nature and appear near the end of an objective's exercise set. They ask the students to think about the objective's concepts, make generalizations, and apply them to more abstract problems. The focus is on mental mathematics, not calculation or computation, and help students synthesize concepts.
• New! Important Points have been highlighted to capture students' attention. With these signposts, students are able to recognize what is most important and to study more efficiently.
• New! A Concepts of Geometry section has been added to Chapter 1.
• New! Coverage of operations on fractions has been changed in Section 1.3 so that multiplication and division of rational numbers are presented first, followed by addition and subtraction
• New! A Complex Numbers section has been added to Chapter 11, "Quadratic Equations."
• New Media! Two key components have been added to the technology package: HM Testing (powered by Diploma) and, as part of the Eduspace course management tool, HM Assess, an online diagnostic assessment tool.

Book Description
Glencoe's Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 balance sound skill and concept development with applications, connections, problem solving, critical thinking, and technology. Whether your students are getting ready for college or the workplace, this program gives them the skills they need for success. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

No wonder math is hard.
If this book is indicative of what most students use, I now understand why so many students struggle with math.It takes a LOT of effort to distill the "lessons" in this book into useful information.This book is very heavy on graphics and "integrated applications" to real life and very light on actual math.

Very Helpful Book
This book is very helpful because when someone helps me in Algebra 2, they can read me the problem out of book then I can work it out and they can tell me whether my answer is right or not or else it would take a much longer period of time because they would have to work out the problem and then tell me the answer and it may be wrong. This is the perfect book for kids who want to learn Algebra 2.

Wow!
This book is the one book people who want to learn Algebra 2 need. It completely enhanced my knowledge on the subject, and took me to a higher level. It will truly make your mind capacious! ... Read more

Book Description

Intended for developmental math courses in intermediate algebra, this text retains the hallmark features that have made the Aufmann texts market leaders: an interactive approach in an objective-based framework: a clear writing style, and an emphasis on problem-solving strategies. The acclaimed Aufmann Interactive Method, allows students to try a skill as it is introduced with matched-pair examples, offering students immediate feedback, reinforcing the concept, identifying problem areas, and, overall, promoting student success.

• New! Interactive Exercises appear at the beginning of an objective's exercise set (when appropriate), and provide students with guided practice on some of the objective's underlying principles.
• New! Think About It Exercises are conceptual in nature and appear near the end of an objective's exercise set. They ask the students to think about the objective's concepts, make generalizations, and apply them to more abstract problems. The focus is on mental mathematics, not calculation or computation, and help students synthesize concepts.
• New! Important Points have been highlighted to capture students' attention. With these signposts, students are able to recognize what is most important and to study more efficiently.
• New! Coverage of evaluating functions, graphing functions, and the vertical line test have been added to Section 3.2.
• New! An explanation that the x-coordinate of an x-intercept is a zero of a function can now be found in Section 3.3.
• New! Improved Introductions to exponential and logarithmic functions in Chapter 10 will lead to greater student understanding of and interest in these topics.
• New Media! Two key components have been added to the technology package: HM Testing (powered by Diploma) and, as part of the Eduspace course management tool, HM Assess, an online diagnostic assessment tool.

Customer Reviews (1)

Teacher's Edition
When going back to school after 24 years, it was very helpful and gave me the confidence I needed. ... Read more

Book Description
This text is designed to provide an interactive learning experience between the learner and the exposition, annotated examples, art, and the exercises you will find within.The first book on the market to introduce a "learn as you go" approach by including practice exercises in the margins of the text, this best seller uses real-data applications to help apply mathematics to your everyday life. Concepts and skills learned as you progress through the text are revisited again and again in the form of cumulative reviews, skill maintenance exercises, and synthesis exercises to help you retain what you have learned and see how it all relates together. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

-5
I'll have to agree. This text is the definition of vague. The examples given just don't explain anything in great detail, or even in detail at all. Just awful.

From an older, math challenged college student
I have always had trouble with math. I have also been out of HS for many years, therefore, I started with the edition before this one, just finished a class using this book and will be trying to pass college algebra next semester. I agree with other posters about there not being adequate examples. When you are doing the exercises (homework), there are no problems for the student to reference that are close to many of the problems you are required to answer. And the book is loaded with word problems. My biggest problems with math are when instructors/books leave out steps. I just wasn't gifted in the area of memorization of math facts and formulas so I struggle and this book was not helpful. The internet was more helpful than this book with homework assignments.

If you do struggle, I would look into the student solutions manual. Also, I took intermediate algebra as an online class and the MathXL software package required was way more helpful to me than this book. I give two stars only because I wouldn't have a clue as to what book to recommend as a better resource.

There are 11 chapters:
1 - Algebra and Problem Solving
2 - Graphs, Functions, Linear Equations
3 - Systems of Equations and Problem Solving
4 - Inequalities & Problem Solving
5 - Polynomials and Polynomial Functions
6 - Rational Expressions, Equations, Functions
7 - Exponents & Radicals
8 - Quadratic Functions & Equations
9 - Exponential & Logarithmic Functions
10 - Conic Sections
11 - Sequences, Series, & Binomial Theorem

Good luck!

Great book if you want a REVIEW of Algebra 2
I am currently taking Algebra 2, cannot find anyone in the class that likes the book. The author gives very few examples, too brief on discussing topics. This book would be great for someone who has already had Algebra 2 and wants to do a review. I am now reading other material to understand what this book is talking about.

good self-study book
first off, i'm not rebecca stack, but we use the same account. i am self-studying at home using this book. addison wesley were completely and utterly unhelpful when i asked for assistance when i first purchased the book and solutions manual. as for the book itself, i'm very happy with my purchase, although if you have no normal class/teacher resources, i would say it's essential to buy the solutions manual.

since i am wading through every single problem, i'm simply amazed that a 9th edition of any textbook can have so many wrong answers. anyone who has actually worked through a quarter of the problems deserves a case of champagne from addison wesley, in my opinion, and free textbooks for life.....

on the whole, though, i'm highly recommending this book as it is very suitable for anyone wanting to self study this topic with a view to going on to calculus. it's a monumental amount of work, if you're going to attempt all the problems, but even taking the errors into account, i feel more confident with mathematics now than i have ever before. even with my reservations, i look forward to tackling marv's calculus textbook (although i've now learned my lesson and will be buying other texts).

THis is a misleading title
THis text is the annotated instructors edition, which is great. (Unless of course you are trying to learn)
I am glad it was half of the price. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Elementary Algebra Concepts and Applications (7th Edition)
I recieved this book the fastest I've ever received any book, although seller was in my home state. She was communicative about the edition and condition of the book which I loved and the book is in truly new condition! I would buy from her again without hesitation.

Easy - Simple - Plain
The problems given in this book were very easy to understand. The author shows step by step how to do the given problems and the answers are refferenced in the back. I always used how the book did the problems, not the teacher's way.I am always coming back to this book to refresh my math skills. ... Read more

Book Description
Linear Algebra with Applications is a flexible blend of theory, important computational techniques, and interesting applications. Instructors can select the topics that give the course their desired perspective. The text provides a solid foundation in the mathematics of linear algebra, while introducing some of the important computational aspects of the field, such as algorithms. The presentation of interesting applications has been one of the most compelling features of this book provides students a well balanced coverage of standard linear algebra topics that apply mathematics by examining real-life applications, making for a enlightening learning experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Decent for Those Who Already Know the Material
This textbook was required for my college linear algebra class. As the linear algebra book for business majors, it has a lot of real-world applications/examples in it, which I appreciated. Having now completed the class when looking back through the book, I can remember how to do the work. When learning it for the first time though, reading the book was a nightmare. Fortunately, I had an excellent professor who explained the examples he was working very well, so I only used the book for homework problems, not for learning the material cold.

I do NOT recommend this book for someone learning about matrices and vectors for the first time. ... Read more

Book Description

Renowned for thoroughness and accessibility, this book offers a challenging and enjoyable study of linear algebra that is infused with an abundance of applications. Balancing coverage of mathematical theory and applied topics, concepts are explained with precision so that all readers can understand the material. Worked examples are heavily integrated into each chapter. The book stresses the important role geometry and visualization play in understanding the subject.

Customer Reviews (17)

Worst math textbook.
Had to use this textbook for an intro-level linear algebra class. Totally incomprehensible. Strange math jargons came out of nowhere at the beginning of the chapter without a proper introduction. Lack proofs and explanation how certain methods of computation were made. Emphasizes on applications that don't make sense. Unless you're an engineer, I would not recommend this textbook to beginners who are just starting out linear algebra.

Little or No Examples
I found this book very difficult to follow along without a teacher to explain. Little or no examples. Book is full of proofs. This would be a perfect book for a person to brush up on there skills and review the material.

Not the best but not the worst either
Background:I am an Aerospace Engineering undergraduate student with a strong foundation in math.

Review: To be honest, I was looking forward to giving this book 1 star when I was done with it.However, after reviewing what I learned, I found this book isn't as bad as I first thought.First of all, this is not a good book for beginners or self-teachers.It skips over too many steps when discussing some topics.Second, the textbook is written in a very dry and dull manner.This is true of many math books, of course.While this doesn't exactly make a math textbook useless, it works against keeping the reader's interest.Finally, it's layout isn't exactly friendly.Important details tend to blend in with the rest of the text.In my opinion, the important points should stand out.
So, with those points having been made, I feel Leon's Linear Algebra book is more suited for an intermediate class.It definitely wasn't worth the money (what textbooks are?). If you'd like a good beginner or self-teaching book, check out Poole's book instead.

good introduction
A very good introduction to linear algebra. Explanations are very clear. A very good exposition on vector spaces. Overall a good buy for starting in this most interesting subject.

Good Book for the Most Part
Overall, I thought was well laid out.I would probably like to see more practical application of linear algebra to real world problems. ... Read more

Book Description
Renowned professor and author Gilbert Strang demonstrates that linear algebra is a fascinating subject by showing both its beauty and value. While the mathematics is there, the effort is not all concentrated on proofs. Strang's emphasis is on understanding. He explains concepts, rather than deduces. This book is written in an informal and personal style and teaches real mathematics. The gears change in Chapter 2 as students reach the introduction of vector spaces. Throughout the book, the theory is motivated and reinforced by genuine applications, allowing pure mathematicians to teach applied mathematics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (68)

Good to buy only if your instructor follows it or if your have firmly determined to master linear algebra.
My first complaint about this book is it is too expensive. But If your teacher follows it then go for it. If you have determined to master linear algebra and be able to spend time for the course videos the author gives then this book is worth buying it. No no if you want to just refresh some concepts because it's too expensive.

Too Much Crazy...
Strang tends to get all holier than thou and advocate the de-emphasis of calculus in the academic curiculum and replacing it with Linear Algebra.That's like advocating the replacement the de-emphasis of the Bible and replacing it with a text on the comparitive study of religions.Crazy.

Still, Strang is a pretty good teacher and writer.Just can't get over his craziness.Calculus is the foundation for differential equations and differential equations (ordinary, linear time invarian, vector as in Maxwell's, or what have you) are the foundation for science and technology.Linear Algebra can extend such a foundation, but it can't replace it.

I can understand Linear Algebra much better than say Partial Differential Equations, but that doesn't mean I think Linear Algebra is more important.It just means that Parital Differential Equations have more to them and should be taught more, not less.

A tricks-of-the-trade insider's guide
This is an excellent book for people who will work with linear algebra for the rest of their careers. For the typical linear algebra student it is also very valuable, although for them Strang takes too much pleasure in non-essential tricks of the trade. For example, elementary matrix theory is crowned by a discussion of "the four fundamental subspaces". This quartet is introduced as a triumphant theoretical unification and we then see them each play their part to the letter in a flawless staging of Kirchhoff's circuit laws. Although a stunning performance, it is a connoisseur's delight more than anything else. This is just one example of a beautiful application "tied up" in a lot of theory. As a second illustration, finding the n:th Fibonacci number (p. 256) can be done with just straightforward diagonalisation rather than difference equation theory. Strang's way if of course the best way, assuming that the reader has lots of time. Naturally there are also application that are very enjoyable in isolation, both nuggets (e.g., it takes as many operations to compute A^2 as it does to compute A^-1; p. 48) and entire sections (e.g., a good introduction to game theory, pp. 408-414). The fact that this book is written by a linear algebra user rather than a textbook author also has many other benefits besides the actual applications. To take but one example, it continues to puzzle us how so many linear algebra textbooks can fail to emphasise the interpretation of matrix multiplication in terms of linear combinations of columns (p. 23).

Great book!
I've used the third edition in conjunction with Professor Strang's excellent video lectures on the MIT OCW site.The combination of the two is absolutely superb.If you do the exercises at the end of each section you will learn linear algebra even if you never intended to!

Unsurpassed clarity - and this book just got better!
Professor Strang has taught Linear Algebra for many years to legions of one of the United States' top institution. So give him some credit, for starters...
This book is inimitable in its clarity and in how it yields so much insight. I have many books on Linear Algebra and I think this book is worth its weight in gold. I know of no other book that teaches the fundamental subspaces so well.
The book covers standard material in Linear Algebra (and then some) and has a strong matrix-oriented flavor (as opposed to a book giving an algebraic treatment - look for Valenza if you want that).
I don't understand what some of the complaining is about by some reviewers. The book is not abstract enough, not formal enough? No first treatment in Linear Algebra is or should be - that is Linear Algebra 2. Besides, matrices are pervasive in all fields of engineering, physics, applied math and other disciplines and later on the student will advance to even more complex issues (such as numerical linear algebra) and they simply cannot afford not to have seen the standard matrix treatment. In fact, that would be the reason it's so widely taught - because it's so useful. It's no use delving into abstract treatment if one doesn't understand the most basic facts about why it is that you can solve a system of linear equations.
Best of all, his lectures now can be seen on MIT's Open Courseware site.
I have used this book since the second edition. I believe this 4th edition is the best edition yet. Unlike some other books on the market, this new edition is a fully thought-through new edition (Strang has been restructuring his book throughout all editions, ever making this more clear and insightful). Not bloat at all. I wholeheartedly recommend it. In fact, I believe you might get hurt using some other books that are on the market that do a very lousy job on teaching this subject (such as Lay). This book is the gold standard. ... Read more

Book Description

With the most geometric presentation now available, this referenceemphasizes linear transformations as a unifying theme, and enables usersto “do”both computational and abstract math in each chapter. A second theme is introduced half way through the text—when eigenvectors are reached—on dynamical systems. It also includes a wider range of problem sets than found in any other book in this market. Chapter topics include systems of linear equations; linear transformations; subspaces of Rn and their dimension; linear spaces; orthogonality and least squares; determinants; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; symmetric matrices and quadratic forms; and linear differential equations. For anyone seeking an introduction to linear algebra.

Customer Reviews (38)

Same as newer edition
As far as I can tell this is exactly the same as the newer edition.Presents the information in a reasonable matter, but there are better books out there.

the worst math book i have ever used
this is absolutely the worst math book i have ever come across in my academic career, i feel realy bad for any body taking a linear algebra course with a book from otto....good luck

Redeems Itself as Book Progresses
When I first began using this textbook I was very frustrated for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the author stresses computation over theory and many times I felt that I was computing something without any real motivation. This is further aggravated because Bretscher prefers to prove a result before explaining what the result is which gives the book a very disjointed feeling, especially in the first 3 chapters. Additionally, if you don't enjoy historical anecdotes this is not the text for you as there is hardly a section without some sort of reference to the history of a concept -- which although interesting is ultimately pointless. But the very serious problem with this book is that the exercises are the meat of the book but there is no distinction between the mindless exercises and the exercises that have very important results which means you will invariably have an incomplete mastery of the topics unless you look over all the problems carefully.

However, this book also has some good things about it. Starting around chapter 4 it's like another author took over; the proofs are more elegant, the definitions are clear, and even Bretscher's style of exposition before results works well!

In conclusion, once you get past the god awful treatment of coordinate transformations (the last section of chapter 3) this book redeems itself. If you have the choice, choose another book which emphasizes theory (e.g. Valenza perhaps) but if you have no choice in using this book, supplement the first few chapters with some other source.

Obscure explanations.
The explanations in this book are pretty lousy, as are the problems. Too frequently concepts are insufficiently proven. Homework problems are very abstract and not enlightening (they simply refer to a "fact" as they are called in the book instead of theorems).

Professor hates book
This is the first semester my college has used this book and it will most likely be its last.Everyday, my professor says how unhappy he is with this book because they present information in an odd sequence.For instance, we learned about subspaces before knowing what an actual space is.This makes the book very confusing and hard to follow.Just a warning: almost every example (not problem) in this book is done in symbols which is sometimes hard to follow.Overall, I would not buy this book ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Incredibly Accessible
I used this book to teach myself linear algebra using a lesson plan developed by a teacher. A few things I found really helpful:

Lay constantly admonishes the reader to carefully study the text, by reading and re-reading. He understands that students learning linear algebra are likely to to be embarking on more abstract/advanced mathematics in the future--and he cares enough to teach good study skills as well as math. I've followed his advice, and found that with proper effort, I am able to teach myself.

Many of the questions are conceptual or True/False, which helps me to retain new concepts.

The study guide (sold separately, but very important if you're self-teaching) only includes answers to odd-numbered exercises. However, the answers are nicely detailed.

I especially appreciate that Lay refuses to flat-out offer answers to conceptual and True/False questions. Instead, there are hints and references to page numbers where helpful information can be found. This is important, not only because it (again) helps reinforce good study skills, but it encourages students to really try a problem before giving up and looking up the answer.

The introduction of new concepts is always followed by one or more examples, which helps to link theory to practice. In general, there are many examples that illustrate good problem-solving techniques. Proofs are detailed and well-justified, and there are some simple proofs that are left as problems in the book. These proofs are simple enough to not be terribly daunting to the student who is new to more abstract mathematical ideas.

For the student who would ask, "well what is it good for?" there are plenty of sections dedicated purely to applications of material learned in previous sections.

Detail-oriented methodical learners like myself should benefit from this book.

a good teacher helps...
covers 75% of the detail and leaves the 25% up to you. it lacks clear explition is vector space secotion (row col vector nul basis etc). it seems like you do the first coumple of sections not understanding what you are getting at but when you get to chapter 6 or so the past stuff finaly makes sense. I found the book hard to understand when it was talking about maping, one to one on too. i suggest a TI-83 or higher and the solutions manual. The book also lacks pictures showing dimention row col nul basis etc.

Choose Another Book
The organization and the treatment given to most subjects are well below what one would expect for a Wikipedia entry on each respective topic.

Anyone who uses this book for any kind of self-study is unlikely to get more out of it more than a few examples on multiplying matrices, row reduction, and some poetry about eigen-spaces and vector spaces.

Take a look at ``Linear Algebra Done Right'' by Alxr.

meh.....
This was the textbook that my school has been using for its first and second year Linear Algebra courses. I found it somewhat terse. It seems like it could be a great book for someone already familiar with linear algebra or the logic aspect of mathematics; I don't recommend it for anyone who is not very familiar with proofs. Fortunately, it doesn't lack examples of how to solve computation problems and solutions to the odd-numbered problems are provided in the back of the book. Unfortunately, when it comes to the proof problems, instead of just providing the reader with the answer like most other texts, the author will either mention a hint or refer the reader to the study guide (mine came with a disk which has to be installed on a computer), which could be a problem for readers not familiar with how to do proofs. Serving as a somewhat of a mediator between these two extremes are true/false questions which accompany each chapter in each section of the text. While those start out somewhat fun in the beginning, they can also get tiresome and repetive very quickly. The solutions to these, like the proofs, are not provided, but fortunately, all one has to do is read the text carefully in order to determine the appropriate response.

Shameful Plugs for Study Guide
Perhaps the most important questions at the end of each section are the true/false questions dealing with the concepts developed in the section. The computational problems are good for learning the algorithms but the true/false questions represent what you need to know.

After working through them and justifying your answers you turn to the back of the book and look for the correct solution but instead you find something like "Check your answers before referring to the study guide." Unfortunately the study guide is sold seperately so many people, including myself, choose not to buy it, nor should we have to. It makes the author seem like he cares more about selling book then teaching students.

I took Linear Algebra as an online course and there it is even more important that the material in the text is learned from the reading, as there is no physical lecture to supplement it. I would be more understanding if the author included just the answers in the text and left the justifications for the study guide, but to plug the study guide instead is just plain irresponsible. ... Read more

Book Description
This classic treatment of linear algebra presents the fundamentals in the clearest possible way, examining basic ideas by means of computational examples and geometrical interpretation. It proceeds from familiar concepts to the unfamiliar, from the concrete to the abstract. Readers consistently praise this outstanding text for its expository style and clarity of presentation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Not a helpful book
a terrible book for self-study. may be good as a class companion where the teacher explains a lot. but the author does not approach linear algebra in an pedagogical way that enables self-study. solutions for exercises come out of the blue of the sky. also errors found.

a LA book for the rest of us
I usually avoid demagogic descriptions of educational texts as they tend to appeal mainly to ignorants but in the case of linear algebra perhaps i can be excused.This book presents a difficult topic, that could be very frustrating, in an easy to understand, well documented manner.Unlike most math textbooks this book does not aim to educate only the top 5% of the class and confute the rest of the students.Rather the author seems to be targeting average to good math students.Also helpful is that he basses the relevant chapter examples on problems that actually appear in the excercises.No silly "discovery learning" or multiple levels of abstraction are required to solve the problems and understand the topics.I appreciate that the author is aiming to educate the bulk of his audiance and not just the mathematical elite. Only if more advanced math books were like this!

Bad book
The book gets confusing at points and the author assumes many concepts which defeat the purpose of being "Elementary". I have struggled at how he comes up with the answers.For example chapter 4 is so confusing!!!

Formal proofs with an easy language
This is a great book for beginner courses in Linear Algebra. It covers most of the things you're likely to see in a beginner course (there a few topics that aren't covered in this book but probably you'd only see them in more advanced courses). The book is wonderfully diagrammed with emphasis boxes for definitions and theorems. Most theorems are given formal proofs but always in the simple and easy language of the rest of the book. The more straightforward proofs are left as exercise (and believe me, they're great exercises). The authors did not commit an offensive crime by leaving them out. This omission does not compromise understanding, either. At the end of each chapter it presents a cumulative summary of the most important topics learned so far. This is very important in a subject where the most simple definition learned in the first chapter of the book is the key to a much more difficult definition presented in a more advanced chapter. That's the joy of Linear Algebra!

Linear algebra in clear, understandable, good style.
English isn't my native language. So some books not in plain english made me confused. This is a nice book implementing good pedagogy that makes me to learn linear algebra easily. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Elementay & Intermediate Algebra
The book was brand new.. and in the wrapper. The only bad thing is that I needed "MyMathLab",too. I was under the impression that it came with the book if you bought it new. If you need the book & the "MyMathLab"... then specifically search it that way so you will be given that option. THANKS!

Cheap, New, and Fast
I recieved my book promptly, in perfect condition, and for way cheaper than at my college.

Algebra book review
The book is very good.It gives many examples for you to use as practice.It explains everything very well and that means a lot, especially since I have not taken algebra in about 25 years.Also I would like to say thanks to Amazon for being so prompt in shipping my order. I ordered the book at 8pm and it arrived by UPS at 10am the next day.

this was really helpful!!
the instructors edition has all the answers..which was useful for last minute homework and the price i paid online was the price the college was selling the used copy for. what a great deal

awesome
excellent text. clear and easy to read. very helpful for my advanced algebra course. instructions were spectacular with good review at end of chapter and sufficient practice. Highly recommended.
... Read more

Book Description

Learn the Skills. Apply the Concepts.

This second edition of College Algebra in Context continues to be application driven, and uses real-data problems to motivate student interest in the skills and concepts of algebra. The focus on real-world applications is designed to correspond to problems that students may encounter when they move on to future math classes or when they enter the work force. This edition contains improved content and a greater focus on motivating students to succeed in the course through its emphasis on applications.

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent
Book arrived faster than expected, thank you so much for that.Book was as described, in shrink wrap, with no bent corners.
Would buy from again. ... Read more

Book Description
This text fully integrates applications and technology into the linear algebra course, and provides coverage of provocative topics, such as chaos theory and coding theory. The authors designed this text to be rich in examples, exercises, and applications. It includes all basic linear algebra theory, most important numerical methods, and incorporates technology without sacrificing material basic to the course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

promising textbook
I just used this book for an undergraduate LA course.

Most of the book is remarkably clear and straight-forward.For example, the authors manage to avoid sigma notation entirely in the proofs.The book has a nicebalance of applications, computer work and theory. Before taking the courseI did some work in Anton's 7th edition.The definitions and theorems inNakos/Joyner are much clearer and less wordy than Anton's.

The book stillhas a lot of rough edges, though.Typos abound and the text is murky insome spots.I think this would be an excellent text for an undergraduatecourse if the instructor used it with a critical eye to its weak spots. The second edition, if there is one, should be much more polished and,perhaps, a good choice for self study. ... Read more