Book Description
This book covers the material of an introductory course in linear algebra: sets and maps, vector spaces, bases, linear maps, matrices, determinants, systems of linear equations, Euclidean spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization of self-adjoint operators, and classification of matrices. The book is written for beginners. Its didactic features (the "book within a book" and multiple choice tests with commented answers) make it especially suitable for self-study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Concise.
How can you pack an entire introductory course in linear algebra into under 200 pages AND make it enjoyable to read? Janich knows how. There is virtually zero fluff here. This is both good and bad, however. Janich teaches you what you need to know, and doesn't waste time explaining the same thing 10 different ways. The down side is that if you don't get a concept straight away, you'll feel lost.

There is a distinct lack of examples and exercises, and the exercises that are given have no solutions provided. This means that it is very hard to rectify any misunderstandings you may pick up.

This book makes for an excellent companion text, and serves admirably for review purposes. But if you need to learn how to apply the abstract concepts, you will want a second text that contains plenty of examples and exercises. As a lecturer once told me: Mathematics is not a spectator sport. You have to do it, not just read about it.

A must have for any first course in linear algebra
This book presents in a very simple and lucid way the terminology and concepts of linear algebra as they would be used by any mathematician, but presents it in such a way that it is extremely accessable to theundergraduate first course in linear algebra. I used this along with the"required" text for my linear algebra course and found this farsuperior. It doesn't waste any time on useless details i.e. solving systemsof equations, "finding" the inverse, determinant or any form ofrote calculations or the ridiculous identity "proofs"etc... whichabout 50% of every other undergrad linear algebra texts I've seen or useddo (he does touch on GE a little). If you're planning of studying mathseriously, or are interested in math then this book is definitely a keeper.Another thing I liked about this book is that it doesn't act like atextbook, one can easily sit down and just "read" it, owing againto Janich's unique style. ... Read more

Book Description
This book describes basic methods and algorithms used in modern, real problems likely to be encountered by engineers and scientists - and fosters an understanding of why mathematical techniques work and how they can be derived from first principles. Assumes no previous exposure to linear algebra. Presents applications hand in hand with theory, leading readers through the reasoning that leads to the important results. Provides theorems and proofs where needed. Features abundant exercises after almost every subsection, in a wide range of difficulty. A thorough reference for engineers and scientists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

making some justice
I used this book as an undergrad and I just LOVED IT. I was able to follow what the author was saying, and after reading each section I was able to complete the excercises. I really find it hard proving theorems and that, and I don't think this book focuses on that. I learned a LOT from this book. It just spoke to me!

Not for me --> Poole's
Yes, I have to agree with the previous reviewers on that this book is a very difficult text to read.I usually read my books cover-to-cover--among other reasons, to justify the investment--but I am struggling with this book (and oh boy, what an investment I made...).

I have gone through the first few chapters in my graduate level, applicable Linear Algebra course. Although I must admit that the explanations are clear, the author leaves a lot of work to be done by the student.Do not get me wrong, I am not the type of student who likes to be held by the hand in order to get the exercises done, however, when I am spending over an hour on each of several exercises, and sometimes, even resorting to "Googling" for the answers, that is when I regret to have spent so much money on what it seems, a really good exercise guide.

Another rant about this book is that it is extremely focused on the theoretical side of Linear Algebra (several proofs are left as exercises).And, even though I mentioned that I sincerely love the challenges (especially when it comes to proving "stuff"), the title reads (on thick, white, bold letters) *APPLIED*. I wonder when does the book truly delves into the applied topics (not in the first few chapters, that's for sure).

My solution to this was to invest on a second book (Poole) and boy, what a difference, it is so much cleaner (though a little bit toned-down at first for a graduate level student).I absolutely love the other book's approach to teaching the topic (and actually having some *APPLIED* material)... But I digress; I hope you find this review useful, as it is well-intentioned for other Applied Mathematicians out there.

expensive disappointment
I'll be as kind as possible and say that I agree 100% with the "terrible book" review.If you like having 50% (section 2.1 has almost 100%) or more of the exercises to be proof related, then you've found the right book.If you'd like to have an idea of how linear algebra / matrices are actually used, then consider Meyer or Poole (i'm sure others are good too, but these are two I like).

I'm sure that the authors have forgotten more than I'll ever learn about math, but I find there writing style difficult to follow.I finish some paragraphs less clear about the an idea than when I started.It feels like there writing another ivory tower academic article than trying to help you learn the value of matrices.

I was looking forward to the class that is using this book, but now I'm just waiting to get it over.

Terrible book
Terrible book, in my opinion. Good, numerical examples of how to solve problems are lacking, and the book bores you with formality and rigor to the point where all meaning is lost. "Applied" Linear Algebra? Hardly. ... Read more

Book Description

For combined differential equations and linear algebra courses teaching students who have successfully completed three semesters of calculus.

This complete introduction to both differential equations and linear algebra presents a carefully balanced and sound integration of the two topics. It promotes in-depth understanding rather than rote memorization, enabling students to fully comprehend abstract concepts and leave the course with a solid foundation in linear algebra. Flexible in format, it explains concepts clearly and logically with an abundance of examples and illustrations, without sacrificing level or rigor. A vast array of problems supports the material, with varying levels from which students/instructors can choose.

Customer Reviews (14)

a great introduction to matrices, differential equations, and the linear algebra underlying both subjects
I used this textbook for a sophomore-level math course called "Linear Methods" on linear algebra and differential equations.I think this book is great for a course like that -- a course that stressed the connection between differential equations and linear operators/linear algebra.I really liked the book.

I thought that the in-chapter text was clear enough while a bit dry.The end-of-section exercises were a mix of computational problems and a few conceptual problems and derivations, though to be honest I thought Prof. Goode would have done better to include more of the latter.I thought the book's organization great -- it provided a basic knowledge of matrices and elementary differential equations, and then introduced the concepts of linear algebra, with a focus on vector spaces, in order to approach both matrices and DEs in a more sophisticated way.This was my first book/course involving either subject, and I was VERY glad that I had used Goode's book when I took on differential equations and linear algebra individually in greater depth in their own courses.

A book I don't recommend
The book is structured very poorly.It starts an introduction of differential equations (chapter 1 and 2), jumps to linear algebra (chapter 3, 4, 5 and 6), and then comes back to differential equations (chapter 7 and after).In general, it is a very disorganized book to study.In addition, there are typos and wrong answers in several places.If you are going to study differential equations or linear algebra, I would recommend to get a different book.Finally, quality of the book is poor, too.By the time, I studied chapter 8, the book fell apart into two pieces.

fair product
The binding was wearing down causing some of the pages to start falling out.

Good Intro Book
Decent book, however definitions need to be improved.Contradicts himself in future chapters (i.e. his definition of a Matrix).

Structure is good, although writing is not particularly engaging.Then again, what math text is engaging?

Problems are challenging, but not overwhelmingly difficult.They are good practice for the subject matter.

Sufficient for an introductory differential equations and linear algebra course.I've heard the publisher and writer are fixing the text's shortcomings.

A great teacher can more than make up for these shortcomings.

Great Book for a Great Teacher
I was lucky enough to have Dr. Goode as a Proffesor. His book goes step by step on how to solve DEs. It gives you just enough information to start your homework, but not too much to where the questions in the book aren't challenging enough. Unfortunately, students don't realize how much work is required at this level of calculus. That's the reason why some people don't like this book because it makes you work. If you are a hard worker and don't need anybody, like your mommy, taking you by the hand showing and how to do every single HW problem then this book is for you. This book and its course sets a really good foundation for engineering majors. ... 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

Book Description
This popular and successful text was originally written for a one-semester course in linear algebra at the sophomore undergraduate level.Students at this level generally have had little contact with complex numbers or abstract mathematics, so the book deals almost exclusively with real finite dimensional vector spaces, but in a setting and formulation that permits easy generalization to abstract vector spaces. The goal of the first two editions was the principal axis theorem for real symmetric linear transformation.The principal axis theorem becomes the first of two goals for this new edition, which follows a straight path to its solution.A wide selection of examples of vector spaces and linear transformation is presented to serve as a testing ground for the theory.In the second edition, a new chapter on Jordan normal form was added which reappears here in expanded form as the second goal of this new edition, along with applications to differential systems.To achieve the principal axis theorem in one semester a straight path to these two goals is followed. As compensation, there is a wide selection of examples and exercises.In addition, the author includes an introduction to invariant theory to show students that linear algebra alone is not capable of solving these canonical forms problems.The book continues to offer a compact, but mathematically clean introduction to linear algebra with particular emphasis on topics that are used in abstract algebra, the theory of differential equations, and group representation theory. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Terrible Textbook
This book is god-awful.The author will use the same symbol to mean many different things, and won't bother to explain the new terminology if he's used it within the past couple of pages.

It's impossible to open the book and pick the important bits out of each chapter - theorems, proofs, and examples all look the same. If you want to find that theorem you think you saw several pages ago, you have to skim very carefully.

The exercises at the end of each chapter are all complete wastes of time. Invert a 5x5 matrix! You won't learn anything useful in the process, but it'll take you a while to get there!

If you want to learn linear algebra, just read mathworld and wikipedia instead of buying this book.

A very good on linear algebra!
I found the book to be very thorough and well written. It seemed very easyto understand except for thechapter on Jordan Canonical Forms. However, Iwould not recommend this book to someone who is learning it for the firsttime, unless they have a high degree of mathematical maturity. Try thebeginner book by Howard Anton. ... Read more

Book Description
The transition to upper-level math courses is often difficult because of the shift in emphasis from computation (in calculus) to abstraction and proof (in junior/senior courses). This book provides guidance with the reading and writing of short proofs, and incorporates a gradual increase in abstraction as the chapters progress. This helps students prepare to meet the challenges of future courses such as abstract algebra and elementary analysis.

* Clearly explains principles and guides students through the effective transition to higher-level math
* Includes a wide variety of applications, technology tips, and exercises, including new true/false exercises in every section
* Provides an early introduction to eigenvalues/eigenvectors
* Accompanying Instructor's Manual and Student Solutions Manual (ISBN: 0-12-058622-3) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good introductory text to linear algebra
This is a good textbook with many solved and unsolved problems. I like the fact that it have many examples (one of the final chapters is applications of linear algebra to various fields) without sacrificing mathematical rigor (at the degree it is needed in an undergrad textbook). I didn't like the way it presented bases, spans, domains etc, I thought it was a bit stiff, but this is totally subjective. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

The Evolution of Linear Algebra
As a professor of mathematics, I was recently assigned a section of our undergraduate linear algebra course;the last time I taught the course was twelve years ago. While doing the obligatory search for a course text, I have been surprised to see how the first course in linear algebra for mathematicians and scientists has "evolved" since I last taught it, at least insofar as that evolution is reflected through available and popular textbooks.

In one of the more popular linear algebra texts currently on the market (I will refrain from naming it), the formal definition of a vector space does not even occur until page 198, and this is not atypical.Looking through half a dozen of the more popular texts, one finds lengthy introductory chapters on vectors in R^n and their properties, basic matrix algebra, systems of linear equations,special algorithms for computing determinants and matrix inverses in efficient time, and significant space devoted to special matrix factorizations, such as the LU factorization.I would like to point out, without passing judgment, that this has not always been the case.Over time, the undergraduate course in linear algebra for mathematicians and scientists has evidently acquired a partial resemblance to the computational, non-proof-based course in "Matrix Algebra" that used to be offered to "casual users" of this area of mathematics at nearly all major universities.

Hoffman and Kunze's book was written for the undergraduate linear algebra course at MIT in the 1960s.Those of us who pursued graduate study in mathematics in the 1970s saw copies of this text, with its vivid purple stripes down the cover, on the shelves of virtually every serious graduate student.Simply put, Hoffman and Kunze was a "standard" undergraduate reference for decades, which continued to inform its readers well into graduate programs or professional careers.

The author of this review did not have the good fortune to use Hoffman and Kunze in a course, but I always had a copy at hand as a reference.My first linear algebra course, taken as a sophomore in the 1970s, used a text by Robert Stoll and Edward Wong (Academic Press, 1968).In Stoll and Wong, the definition of a vector space occurs on page 4, not on page 204.There is no preliminary chapter on basic matrix algebra;these computations are discussed as they arise, in context, when one chooses a basis for a vector space and therefore places coordinates on that space.The entire organization and conceptual structure of Stoll and Wong's book is worlds apart from the texts I have been reviewing of late.The same may be said of Hoffman and Kunze, and indeed of most of the popular linear algebra books from that period of time.This is why I am a bit disturbed when I read reviews that declare Hoffman and Kunze's classic text "outdated," "irrelevant," or "impossible to read."If the younger reviewers are comparing Hoffman and Kunze to most of the popular competitors that have been published in the past five years or so, then they are comparing a remnant apple to a crate of newly harvested oranges.

Against all odds, Hoffman and Kunze remains in print, 46 years after its first apperance.And this in an era when the typical college text remains in print for what seems like less than five years.There is a reason for this longevity.For serious students of mathematics and the mathematical sciences, this text remains invaluable.If one is going to be called upon to actually USE linear algbra in any substantive way (and by substantive I do not mean inverting a matrix or solving a system of two linear equations in two unknowns), then one eventually must learn about such things as dual spaces and double duals, cyclic decompositions and the Jordan canonical form, unitary operators, self-adjointness, the spectral theorem, and multilinearity and tensors. One cannot even find most of these topics in the most popular undergraduate texts currently available on the market;they appear to reach their summit when they discuss eigenvalues and eigenvectors.As a consequence, if a student in an advanced course in, say, differential geometry or differential equations is sent back to his or her linear algebra text to read about dual spaces or the Jordan canonical form, then it will be necessary to abandon the text with which he/she is familiar and refer to a more serious reference like Hoffman and Kunze.How terribly inefficient.

In the spirit of fairness, I must observe that the text Linear Algebra, 4th ed., by Friedberg, Insel and Spence is a currently available undergraduate text that is comparable to Hoffman and Kunze in coverage and rigor.It is an excellent text for a first course for mathematics majors---a true anomaly among a host of weaker competitors.However, the authors may dissuade many would-be users by their declaration in the preface that their text is "especially suited for a second course in linear algebra that emphasizes abstract vector spaces, although it can be used in a first course with a strong theoretical emphasis."The second undergraduate course in linear algebra is evidently becoming increasingly common;is this because the first course has been weakened to "matrix algebra" and therefore leaves the student unprepared to cope with advanced mathematical courses?

My sincere thanks go out to Prentice-Hall for keeping Hoffman and Kunze in print all these years.Linear algebra is the essential prerequisite for nearly all advanced mathematics, and it is good to see that at least one definitive reference remains available, even as market and societal forces in higher education bring about a clear, demonstrable devolution in the quality of introductory texts on the subject.

Linear Algebra
This book is very rigorous and detailed. This book covers what usually is covered in 2 semesters of Linear Algebra, it covers introductory and advanced Linear ALgebra. I would not recommend it for someone who has not ever seen Linear Algebra because of the lack of concrete examples although I would highly recommend it for someone who has had Linear Algebra. This book is all the Linear Algebra you need up to a Master's degree in Mathematics. For Linear Algebra beginners I would recommend the following 2 books because no one book is good enough : "Elementary Linear Algebra" by Robert S. Johnson; and "Linear Algebra 3rd edition" by Fraleigh. Please see also "Linear Algebra, an applied first course 8th edition" page 447 for those of you intersted in Differential Equations.

A Beautiful Mathematics Book
A comphrensive introduction to the subject of linear algebra that every undergraduate should read. This book explains in detail the concepts that make up linear algebra and will be enjoyed immensely by anyone with an intrest in pure mathematics. Of course, since it is written from a pure point of view, the authors have made almost no mention of practical applications. This is a book soley for the mathematics student. This book has had a wonderful and profound impact on my views of mathematics and I can only give my heartfelt thanks to the authors for writing such a beautiful book. If you have an intrest in linear algebra and operator theory, buy this book! You will have a blast exploring the realm of pure mathematics and thank yourself later.

A unique approach
This was the textbook they used to use at MIT in the past few decades. Virtually, however, nobody uses this book in a regular undergraduate course anymore. Instead of developing the ideas in the familiar context of the real numbers, Hoffman and Kunze give a more abstract (and general) discussion. For example, the theorems about determinants work in all commutative rings. The rigorousness and the wealth of information are overwhelming for most undergraduates to handle. You will not learn anything if you just glance through the pages. Every line requires deep thought. Down-to-earth applications are not included. So I do not recommend this book for engineers.

Another Striking Review by Captain Obvious
This book is the second edition. If I've done the math correctly, and I think I have, this is the edition that, sequentially, comes after the first edition. I found this book to be quite helpful, especially concerning Linear Algebra. Essentially, it covers the topic of linear algebra from the point of view that it took in the first edition, only slightly different because it is the second edition. The cover is also very nice to look at. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Favorite Linear Algebra Book
This is one of the best math books I have ever read. I had to learn linear algebra for my graduate research and this book was invaluable. I just wish they wrote a differential equations book as well. The best part of this book are the excellent conceptual explainations, but the proofs are well motivated and clear as well, and I usually hate proofs. The coverage of Singular Value Decomposition is very good.

Best text for undergraduates on Linear Algebra
It provides an excellent approach to Linear Algebra for self-pacing. Different from other linear algebra books, it's well organized and teaches how and why the ideas come from by providing many interesting examples.

It isn't only the classics, but the essential reference for related fields in my bookshelf. ... Read more

Book Description

"Working problems,"writes Fuzhen Zhang in the preface, "is a crucial part of learning mathematics. A good problem should be one through which one learns methods, uses techniques, and gains insights into the subject. The reader should find the collection of 200 problems in this book diverse, interesting, and challenging."

Linear Algebra: Challenging Problems for Students is a supplementary text for undergraduate and first-year graduate students majoring in mathematics, statistics, engineering, or related areas. The book will also be helpful for instructors teaching linear algebra and matrix theory. Based on the author's ten years' experience in teaching and research, it presents 200 problems of varying difficulty ranging from elementary to some which may baffle even professional mathematicians. Hints and solutions for all problems are found in the second half of the book.

Concise and clearly written, the problems in Linear Algebra are interesting, challenging, and up-to-date. This book will be of interest to students seeking to do further work in linear algebra on an independent basis, to those wishing to refresh their knowledge of the subject, and to those in seminar-style advanced linear algebra courses.

Customer Reviews (3)

Typical problems for final exams
I found many of the elementary to advanced Linear Algebra final exam problems my school professors gave are contained in the book! Wanna a harder version? try Prasolov's; a more entertaining one? go for Halmos; a comprehensive one? try Proskuryakov. Some of the problems in Proskuryakov are Putnam like. Virtually any type of Putnam taste problems in Linear Algebra can be found in Proskuryakov. But this one, contrast to Halmos', is the least entertaining--that's why it is called HARDCORE PROBLEM APPROACH! These three are basically all that you need for an undergraduat or beginning grad linear algebra courses.

A good source of simple theoretical problems
Teachers of college mathematics are always long on stress and short on time. Exams come at regular intervals and finding the right problems to put on them is always a challenge. This is especially true for courses based on theory rather than algorithm execution. I have always found it easy to write exams in courses such as calculus, algebra and statistics, but find myself spending a lot of time creating the exams for courses such as linear and abstract algebra.
This book contains 200 problems and they are split into the following five categories:

1) Vector spaces
2) Determinants, inverses, rank and linear equations.
3) Matrices, linear transformations and eigenvalues.
4) Special matrices: Hadamard, Hermitian, Unitary, Normal and Permutation.
5) Inner product spaces.

While the problems are challenging, they are not unduly so and generally are within the range of what can be offered to your more talented students. Detailed hints to all of the problems are included.
If you are looking for problems to illustrate specific theoretical topics in linear algebra or need ideas for test problems, then this book is a resource that you should take a long look at. I am sure you will find something of value.

An attractive supplement
Although the subtitle of the collection is "Challenging Problems forStudents," a fair number of the problems are not difficult or tricky,but do a wonderful job of testing a student's understanding of the majorconcepts and techniques of elementary linear algebra. Not all of theproblems are original, but they are all instructive and interesting. One ofmy favorites gives a product AB of a 3 x 2 and 2 x 3 matrix and asks forthe product BA.The hints and solutions are clear and concise. Iparticularly appreciated the attractive layout of this text. Notation ischosen carefully, and everything from font size to spacing of text and thedisplay of complex expressions seems to have been considered with utmostconcern and respect for the reader. This book is a very good resource forboth students and teachers of linear algebra. ... Read more

Book Description
Includes linear matrices, determinants, vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvectors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

CSET Mathematics Test Takers...Hear Ye, Hear Ye...
If you are one of a handful of people who are attempting to pass the CSET Single Subject Mathematics Test, listen up.First, I have passed the CSET Math Section II exam.I am in the process of trying to pass the CSET Math Section I exam.While I still need to take it again, I now know the secret because the only difference between my first try on section I and second try was an 8 page section of the Linear Algebra Problem Solver book.My score went up 20 points and I KNOW the book is the reason.Now, I am trying to track down the problems from the REA Pre-Calculus Problem Solver book having to do with growth rates and logarithms..this will undoubtedly put me 'over the top'.These books work and I am now 100% sure that the exam writers are a subset of authors who helped put the problem solvers together.Here is how to use them if you did not pass the exam on the first try:
1) Look through them and pinpoint the questions that look familar to you from your first (or second) experiences taking the exam.
2) Know the 3-4 questions from these books (cold)which are almost exactly the same as the exam questions.In my case, this comes from a mere 8 page section found on ppg. 481-488 of the REA Linear Algebra Problem Solver text.
3) Supplement this with information from www.purplemath.com and download all 40 pages or so of the math listed there.
4) Finally, know the example section from the CSET site COLD, particularly the essay section.Take the Field theory answer and turn it into a matrix so that you can formulate an answer quickly on the actual exam.

I was able to pull off section II of the CSET and had a vague idea of what I was doing at the time.Now that I have had time to review my own process and recall the questions, I am sure there is a method to my madness.I should also like to add that I am a Multiple Subject Credential candidate and passed these subtests (along with the RICA) without any problems and so consider myself quite an accomplised CSET test taker...Good Luck. Sean Wayne Stevens ... Read more

Product Description
Linear Algebra, Geodesy and GPS discusses algorithms, generally expressed in MATLAB, for geodesy and global positioning. Three parts cover basic linear algebra, the application to the (linear and also nonlinear) science of measurement, and the GPS system and its applications. This book has many strengths. It offers a variety of points of view. It is complete, helpful, and you may find an explanation that appeals to you. .A popular article from (June 1997) "The Mathematics of GPS" is included as an introduction. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Part I: Linear Algebra.Chapter 1: Vectors and Matrices; Chapter 2: Solving Linear Equations; Chapter 3: Vector Spaces and Subspaces; Chapter 4: Orthogonality; Chapter 5: Determinants; Chapter 6: Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors;Chapter 7: Linear Transformations. Part II:Geodesy.Chapter 8:Leveling Networks; Chapter 9:Random Variables and Covariance Matrices; Chapter 10: Nonlinear Problems; Chapter 11: Linear Algebra for Weighted Least Squares; Chapter 12: Constraints for Singular Normal Equations; Chapter 13: Problems with Explicit Solutions. Part III: Global Positioning System (GPS).Chapter 14: Global Positioning System; Chapter 15: Processing of GPS Data; Chapter 16: Random Processes; Chapter 17: Kalman Filters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Strang and Borre's 'LINEAR ALGEBRA, GEODESY AND GPS'
This is an interesting, gently accelerating and useful book on geodesy and GPS that concentrates on space geodetic concepts and algorithms and on the underlying linear algebra. It uses MATLAB, the language of choice for manynumerical linear algebraists, to provide sample codes. Many of these codesare of practical utility. This book combines Strang's applied math focusand inimitable writing style (I love it) with Borre's extensive knowledgeof physical and geometrical geodesy. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

This book brings together linear algebra, numerical methods and an easy to use programming environment under Matlab (and Scilab). One of the key features of the book is the worked out examples and exercises at the end of each chapter. The reader is asked to do some numerical experiments in Matlab and then to prove the results theoretically.

Customer Reviews (1)

As good as can be expected...
This is the solution manual to the odd problems from the text.It shows not just the answer but also HOW to do the problem.So far I haven't come across any errors.However, with the subject of Linear Algebra, there are often numerous ways to solve the same problem.So its good for checking your answers but the way you solve the problem and the way the manual solves the problem may not be the same. ... 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 (2)

Solution manual review
The solution manual is great as far as it goes; its drawbacks are related to the fact that some solutions that would be helpful are omitted.The underlying theory with the text and solution manual seems to be that students should NOT be able to check all their work, even when it is not being handed in.The given solutions are helpful, but when instructors assign homework that will not be collected and graded and do not provide in-class answers to all the problems assigned, even dedicated high-performing students can unwittingly go awry.Conscientious students would benefit from being able to check all their answers in the back of the text (currently not possible) and in the solutions manual (again, not possible).What prevents textbook authors from preparing two similar versions of the same text but with just slightly different questions -- one version for the students of instructors who collect homework and the other version for instructors who don't -- the first version without answers/solutions, and the latter with answers/solutions?

Good as a small hint from time to time
The explanations for the problems are a bit terse, if you don't already generally know what you are doing you wouldn't be able to understand how to get the answer.If you are really in a bind this book won't necessarily bail you out. ... Read more

Product Description
First Indian reprint editon. Dimensions: 7.25x9.5x1 inches. Cover is blue with yellow border at top, and graphics of rainbowed fans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good Book
The book had a lot of handy material, it really helped me in clearing the toughest course of my 18 years education. ... Read more

Book Description
Work more effectively and check solutions as you go along with the text! This Student Solutions Manual that is designed to accompany Anton’s Elementary Linear Algebra, 8^th Edition provides detailed solutions to most computational and many theoretical problems in the text.

Elementary Linear Algebra, 8^th Edition 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 (11)

Execllent Easy to Read
The examples in this book are great.All concepts in the text are explained clearly with many examples for the reader to review.I consider this text to be one of the best that I have used.This text is not only a great text to be used in the classroom, but it is so easy to understand that I also recommend this text for individual learning.

Okay if required, but
The Anton book appears to be the standard in teaching undergrad LA, but I personally didn't like it very much. Part of the problem is due to several misprints in the early chapters. Some of the definitions of basic concepts are confusing at best, wrong at the worst. I found myself relying on the Hubbard-Hubbard "Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Forms" to get through the course. The explanations were more concise and easier to understand. If you're teaching yourself, Hubbard-Hubbard is the way to go.

Okay if required, but
The Anton book appears to be the standard in teaching undergrad LA, but I personally didn't like it very much. Part of the problem is due to several misprints in the early chapters. Some of the definitions of basic concepts are confusing at best, wrong at the worst. I found myself relying on the Hubbard-Hubbard "Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Forms" to get through the course. The explanations were more concise and easier to understand. If you'r eteaching yourself, Hubbard-Hubbard is the way to go.

Great textbook
I used Anton in my linear algebra class a few years back and I have referred to it often since.Anton's approach is to introduce the notation and basic tools, i.e. vector and matrix arithmetic, within the intuitive geometric settings of the Euclidean plane and space.Once the basic concepts of Euclidean vector spaces have been mastered, Anton moves into abstract vector spaces, linear transformations, and eigenvectors.One chapter is spent on complex matrices, and another chapter deals with numerical issues and least-squares applications.The only topic which is noticably missing is the singular value decomposition, but other than that, Anton is a remarkably complete text.The definitions and theorems are clearly presented, along with the motivating intuitions.The exercises at the end of the chapter sections are a nice balance between computational and theoretical problems.Overall I highly recommend Anton as a first linear algebra text.

8th edition is the best yet
I've been teaching out of Anton's Linear Algebra books for 17 years, and I'm especially impressed with the 8th edition.Difficult concepts are visited again and again in increasing levels of abstraction, easing students into them.I'm amazed at the organization of topics.I'm able to deliver punch lines arrive several times a day: "Now we see why we learned this yesterday.Here's something we saw a while back, remember this?"

As always, the writing style is clear and the exercises are well-chosen.I can't imagine teaching linear algebra with any other author. ... Read more

Book Description
Based on courses taught to advanced undergraduate students, this book offers a broad introduction to the methods of numerical linear algebra and optimization. The prerequisites are familiarity with the basic properties of matrices, finite-dimensional vector spaces and advanced calculus, and some exposure to fundamental notions from functional analysis.The book is divided into two parts. The first part deals with numerical linear algebra (numerical analysis of matrices, direct and indirect methods for solving linear systems, calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors) and the second, optimizations (general algorithms, linear and nonlinear programming).Summaries of basic mathematics are provided, proof of theorems are complete yet kept as simple as possible, applications from physics and mechanics are discussed, a great many exercises are included, and there is a useful guide to further reading. ... Read more