Product Description

Linear algebra forms the basis for much of modern mathematics—theoretical, applied, and computational. Finite-Dimensional Linear Algebra provides a solid foundation for the study of advanced mathematics and discusses applications of linear algebra to such diverse areas as combinatorics, differential equations, optimization, and approximation.

The author begins with an overview of the essential themes of the book: linear equations, best approximation, and diagonalization. He then takes students through an axiomatic development of vector spaces, linear operators, eigenvalues, norms, and inner products. In addition to discussing the special properties of symmetric matrices, he covers the Jordan canonical form, an important theoretical tool, and the singular value decomposition, a powerful tool for computation. The final chapters present introductions to numerical linear algebra and analysis in vector spaces, including a brief introduction to functional analysis (infinite-dimensional linear algebra).

Drawing on material from the author’s own course, this textbook gives students a strong theoretical understanding of linear algebra. It offers many illustrations of how linear algebra is used throughout mathematics.

Product Description
This book contains more than two thousand exercises in algebra. These exercises are currently used in teaching a fundamental course in algebra in the Department of Mechanics and Mathematics at Moscow State University. The text is divided into three parts, which correspond to three semesters of study. Each section contains not only standard exercises, but also more difficult exercises at the end of some sections, these more challenging exercises being marked with asterisks. At the end of the book results of calculations, a list of notations and basic definitions are given. ... Read more

Product Description
Intended for the first course in linear algebra, this widely used text balances mathematical techniques and mathematical proofs. It presents theory in small steps and provides more examples and exercises involving computations than competing texts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The ANTON book is far superior
We had to use this textbook for our linear algebra class.Heaven knows why they dropped using the Anton book in favor of this book.The book lacks in-depth examples when it comes to prooving/disproving vector spaces/subspaces.They also omit in-between steps when it comes to describing the solution of a problem.Sorry to say this but this book is cr-p!Even though this is our textbook for the class, I also have the Anton book and use that book to explain the concepts to me (that this book cannot).This book is only used in doing homework problems.All in all, very wordy and just not that good.Again, get the Howard Anton book "even" if you don't have to use that book for your course.They do a superior job in explaining Vector Spaces/Subspaces, etc...This book does a superior job of simply "confusing" someone.Even our teacher's not too crazy about this book but has to use it because the college picked it.

MATRIZ
I NEED THE RESULTS OF PAGE 9 ... Read more

Product Description

Elementary Linear Algebra develops and explains in careful detail the computational techniques and fundamental theoretical results central to a first course in linear algebra. This highly acclaimed text focuses on developing the abstract thinking essential for further mathematical study.

The authors give early, intensive attention to the skills necessary to make students comfortable with mathematical proofs. The text builds a gradual and smooth transition from computational results to general theory of abstract vector spaces. It also provides flexbile coverage of practical applications, exploring a comprehensive range of topics.

Product Description
There are a number of very good books available on linear algebra. From this one might deduce that the existing books contain all that one needs to know in the best possible form and that any new book would just repeat material in the old ones. However, new results in linear algebra appear constantly, as do new, simpler, and better proofs of old results. Many linear algebra results obtained in the past thirty years are accessible to undergraduate mathematics majors, but are usually ignored by textbooks. In addition, more than a few interesting old results are not covered in many books. In this book, Prasolov provides the basics of linear algebra, with an emphasis on new results and on nonstandard and interesting proofs. The book features about 230 problems with complete solutions. It would be a fine supplementary text for an undergraduate or graduate algebra course. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A good book on finite dimentional linear algebra
The book opens with determinants ... excepted for this point, I think this book is worth the money it costs.

All you need to know in linear algebra at undergraduate level is here. ... Read more

Product Description
Written by a mathematician/engineer/scientist author who brings all three perspectives to the book.This volume offers an extremely easy-to-read and easy-to-comprehend exploration of both ordinary differential equations and linear algebra--motivated throughout by high-quality applications to science and engineering. Features many optional sections and subsections that allow topics to be covered comprehensively, moderately, or minimally, and includes supplemental coverage of Maple at the end of most sections.For anyone interested in Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An outstanding undergraduate ODE textbook
We selected Differential Equations and Linear Algebra as one of the five best textbooks of all time. A little fun hyperbole perhaps, but there's no denying that Greenberg is outstanding.

From our review at www.squidoo.com/best-textbooks :

----------

There are hundreds of textbooks on differential equations. What makes Greenberg stand out?

The choice of topics is the standard intro-to-ODE canon: first-order linear, general linear, interlude on vector spaces and matrices, higher-order equations; applications, qualitative methods and numerical methods. Greenberg also includes optional chapters on power series solutions and Laplace transforms. There are worked problems in the sections and end-of-chapter exercises of increasing difficulty. Solutions to odd-numbered problems are in the back. There are computational exercises sprinkled throughout (using Maple - we would have preferred MATLAB, but so what). Pretty standard ODE book stuff.

What makes Greenberg stand out is the writing. Not mere clarity - many authors can craft a sentence. Rather, Greenberg appreciates that a technical presentation is always a word away from going off the rails and losing the reader. He unfailingly knows where those places are and does something about it. It is almost as if you can raise your hand while reading and the book will stop and answer your question. It's spooky.

For example, if a solution involves dividing both sides of an equation by a quantity, Greenberg will then go back post-hoc and consider what happens if the quantity is zero (p. 13). Or, when presenting the solution of a "homogeneous equation" that - what the heck? - has a non-zero RHS, in the very next sentence Greenberg clarifies the unfortunate multiple meanings of the term "homogeneous" in mathematics (p. 66). Or, he notes how the appearance of complex functions is not inconsistent with physical problems that would appear to demand a real-valued solution (p. 279). Or, he explains why a trial eigensolution for a system must be based on a single eigenvalue (p. 460). These are all factoids that eventually become second nature, but they don't become second nature if someone doesn't point them out to you at least once in your training.

Multiply this preternatural ability to anticipate and short-circuit confusion by 600 or so pages and you get Differential Equations and Linear Algebra. The same could be said for Greenberg's superb Advanced Engineering Mathematics, or his Foundations of Applied Mathematics, or his text on Green's Functions. THESE are how textbooks should be written. We've lost count how many times we've turned to Greenberg to undo the damage caused by some other book or a bad instructor.

Whatever the University of Delaware is/was paying Professor Greenberg, it's not enough. ... Read more

Product Description
Beginning from scratch and developing the standard topics of Linear Algebra, this book is intended as a text for a first course on the subject. The goal to which this work leads is the Theorem of Hurwitz - that the only normed algebras over the real numbers are the real numbers, the complex numbers, the quaternions, and the octonions. Unique in presenting this material at an elementary level, the book stresses the complete logical development of the subject and will provide a bavuable reference for mathematicians in general. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An illuminated, highly concentrated review of Linear Algebra
From a physics undergrad: This is one of those wonderful, highly concentrated books that deliver extensive Wisdom in only a few pages of hardcore, to-the-point Theory, without simplifying. If you enjoy being told things in a frank manner and without excessive preambles, even if this means slower reading, this book is for you. The theory is built from scratch, but a lack of general abstract mathematical culture might prove problematic. Not recommended for the unprepared or those greedily seeking immediate applications. ... Read more

Product Description
The main purpose of "Linear Algebra and Linear Models" is to provide a rigorous introduction to the basic aspects of the theory of linear estimation and hypothesis testing. The necessary prerequisites in matrices, multivariate normal distribution and distributions of quadratic forms are developed along the way. The book is aimed at advanced undergraduate and first year graduate master's students taking courses in linear algebra, linear models, multivariate analysis, and design of experiments. It should also be of use to research mathematicians and statisticians as a source of standard results and problems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very Handy
Bapat has created an extremely useful reference on/guide to estimation methods and linear models.The first chapter is a very concise linear algebra review which is really nice (who can remember all that stuff?). The scope is wide enough to get singular decomposition, principal components, and rank additivity.Very useful for beginning statisticians and researchers like myself. My only complaint is that the proofs are often cursory and rather terse, leaving out many "obvious" steps, and sometimes complex assertions are made with no proof whatsoever.However, many other texts provide these proofs such as Arnold's "Theory of Linear Models and Multivariate Analysis." ... Read more

Product Description
Designed for use by sophomore engineering or junior physical science majors, this text is suitable for an introductory course in linear algebra and differential equations or a course in differential equations with a linear algebra prerequisite. This text contains detailed coverage of applied topics and includes theorems specifically applicable to engineering students. There is a new chapter on "Stability and the Phase Plane", approximately 300 new problems added throughout and several BASIC programs on numerical solutions of differential equations are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

The ABSOLUTE WORST Math text I've ever come across!!!
As most other reviewers have pointed out, this book is AS BAD AS IT GETS. Most chapters have very simple (or nonexistent) examples, and the explanations, theorems and proofs are presented in an extremely poor and confusing fashion. I'm a "self-study" kind of person, and am very good at Math (got high As in Calc I, II and III - multivariable). So, as some others seem to insinuate on here, I'm not a "disenchanted" student looking for a free ride. I would love to get into the detail of things, but if the book doesn't explain anything properly, how the hell are you supposed to learn the material??? Besides, the more difficult and complicated the material, the more intricately and thoroughly it should be explained. This book simply glosses over things and leaves everything else to your imagination. Like some said earlier, this book should be burned and banned from publication!!!

An Excellent Beginners Book.
This book is excellent.I'm shocked at the low ratings, BUT I think I can explain why.This is one of the best introductory books out there.I used it in my first class as an engineering student before I switched over to a mathematics major.Classes for math majors don't normally use this book because it is too elementary.But for non-math majors (engineering, chemistry, physics, ...) this is the first book of choice.Unfortunately, these majors are also full of people in the early years who won't like differential equations.Therefore, this book gets a lot of negative attention from disenchanted students.I love differential equations, but many people who see themselves as good in math get an unexpected bad grade in this class--they can't accept that and instead fault the book or the teacher.I admit, differential equations seemed to me at first to have too much clever guessing, no single structured methodology with which to apply to every differential equation, and most annoying is that most differential equations can't be solved in closed form anyway.This situation is not the fault of the book.Even today there are folks getting PhD's by working on unsolved differential equations.

For those who want more help, I believe in having lots of practice problems.So, in addition to this book, get the "Schaum's Outline of Differential Equations" by Bronson (ISBN: 0070080194) for slightly more than $10 (cheap).Also, I believe in reading more than one source simultaneously, so get "Ordinary Differential Equations" by Tenenbaum and Pollard (ISBN:0486649407) (Also cheap), and read it along with Rabenstein's book.Tenenbaum's book might be just as good or better as Rabenstein's book, so it might be wise for the instructor to use Tenenbaum's book instead of Rabenstein's book and help the student save some money.But I suspect Rabenstein's book is still more elementary in treatment.

Not worth your money.
This book doesn't explain s***! It's the worse math book out there. To many theorems and not to many problems. Look for another ODE & Linear Algebra book if you can.

I disagree with the other reviewers....
I think the other reviewers all looked at this book from the perspective of an engineering major who wasn't interested in learning the topics but just wanted to get through a required course without having to put in the effort to understand the material. This book does an excellent job of tying together the two topics at hand. Yes, like any good math book, there are lots of proofs. Of course, I'm reading this from the perspective of a graduate student in geochemistry with a bachelors degree in math from several years ago. It's a great reference/review book for me. So, I'd just like to counter the other reviewers by saying if you're looking for a book with a good concise theory based introduction to Differential Equations and Linear Algebra, this is the best one I've seen.
One final note -- I think this web form is screwy, I can't correct the repeated sentence above...

just about worst math book i have used
I used this for a introductory differential equations course. All the reviewers are dead on. This book will make you hate math with a passion such as you have never known. ... Read more

Product Description

Linear algebra is a prerequisite for students majoring in mathematics and is required of many undergraduate and first-year graduate students in statistics, engineering, and related areas. This fully updated and revised text defines the discipline's main terms, explains its key theorems, and provides over 425 example problems ranging from the elementary to some that may baffle even the most seasoned mathematicians. Vital concepts are highlighted at the beginning of each chapter and a final section contains hints for solving the problems as well as solutions to each example.

Based on Fuzhen Zhang's experience teaching and researching algebra over the past two decades, Linear Algebra is the perfect examination study tool. Students in beginning and seminar-type advanced linear algebra classes and those seeking to brush up on the topic will find Zhang's plain discussions of the subject's theories refreshing and the problems diverse, interesting, and challenging.

Customer Reviews (3)

great book for students
This expanded version contains a lot more practice problems plus review for basic linear algebra and matrix theory; it's an excellent book for math/stat majors and graduate students, especially for those who are to take "qualifying exams"...

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

Product Description
This is a highly readable self-contained textbook intended for upper level courses in linear algebra. The notations and terminologies are very clear and concise. The examples and exercises of different levels are well designed and will help the reader to grasp and understand the subject theoretically and computationally. An earlier introduction to linear algebra is not necessary to appreciate the book.

All the concepts and topics of matrices, sets and elementary abstract algebra needed for subsequent use are included. The book also contains examples and counter-examples of the concepts used in the text. The emphasis throughout is on a holistic understanding of linear algebra and therefore the overall tone of the book is rigorous and advanced but also clearly defined and highly approachable.

The author has drawn upon his many years experience of teaching the subject to write a book that will be valued by all keen mathematicians.

Contents

1. Matrices and Linear Equations 2. Sets and Algebraic Structures 3. Vector Spaces, 4. Linear Transformations 5. Algebra of Linear Transformations 6. Dual Spaces 7. Diagonalization 8. Inner Product Spaces 9. Bilinear and Quadratic Forms

Also available:

Bayesian Statistics And Its Applications - ISBN 190574000X
Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces in E3 - ISBN 1905740549

Anshan Publishers is a publisher of fine medical, scientific, and technical books. We find the best titles from our worldwide publishing partners and bring them to the global marketplace.

We publish in a wide range of fields, including:-

Biological Sciences
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Engineering
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Pure and Applied Physics
Pure and Applied Mathematics
Statistics ... Read more

Product Description
This book presents a unified treatment of recently developed techniques and current understanding about solving systems of linear equations and large scale eigenvalue problems on high-performance computers. It provides a rapid introduction to the world of vector and parallel processing for these linear algebra applications. Topics include major elements of advanced-architecture computers and their performance, recent algorithmic development, and software for direct solution of dense matrix problems, direct solution of sparse systems of equations, iterative solution of sparse systems of equations, and solution of large sparse eigenvalue problems. This book supercedes the SIAM publication Solving Linear Systems on Vector and Shared Memory Computers, which appeared in 1990. The new book includes a considerable amount of new material in addition to incorporating a substantial revision of existing text. ... Read more

Product Description
As the basis of equations (and therefore problem-solving), linear algebra is the most widely taught sub-division of pure mathematics. Dr Allenby has used his experience of teaching linear algebra to write a lively book on the subject that includes historical information about the founders of the subject as well as giving a basic introduction to the mathematics undergraduate. The whole text has been written in a connected way with ideas introduced as they occur naturally. As with the other books in the series, there are many worked examples.

Solutions to the exercises are available online:
* The full set of solutions for lecturers only is available for download on a password protected website at http://textbooks.elsevier.com/
* readers are freely accessible at http://books.elsevier.com/companions/0340610441. ... Read more

Product 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 (6)

Waste of my 36 dollars
Similar to the other student who reviewed this, I am a student at the University of Illinois and was seeking help from this solution manual thinking that it would contain the answer to even problems and maybe even some work. I was utterly disappointed and even angry that this solution manual was such a waste of my money. Chances are that if you plan on buying this solution manual then you already have the book in which it already contains almost ALL of the same things that this solution manual tells you. It writes the exact same thing and is of absolutely no help to me so far. This has been one of the biggest wastes of my money and i hope that the writers of this solution manual can be smarter and actually put something useful that you can't get from the book.

REVIEW OF APPLIED LINEAR ALGEBRA TEXTBOOK
I am using this book for my class at teh University fo Maryland.
It is a very good book for Application of Linear Algebra students.
Easy to read and plenty of meaningful exercises

Applied Linear Algebra
I am very pleased with the product.It is in excellent condition, consistent with the description online.

Poorly Organized and Sorely Lacking Concrete Examples.
I used this book for a course at U. of Illinois, and the book is too conceptual and poorly organized for students with no prior knowledge of Linear Algebra.Far too many of the problems are proofs, which seems more appropriate for very advanced students.Moreover, the book introduces many concepts without providing ANY concrete sample problems.

Olver's true deficiency, however, is the jumbled and inconsistent organization.The book frequently requires students to solve problems with concepts that the book has not yet introduced.For example, the book asks students to find Least Squares solutions on page 184, but does not demonstrate how to find LS solutions until page 195 (2 sections later).

Additionally, most books provide answers to even or odd numbered problems, but the selection of answers in this book's answer key is completely random.It will provide answers to even or odd problems, and sometimes only to parts.

In brief, this book satisfies Mathematicians who enjoy primarily conceptual discussions and proofs, but will frustrate and confuse students with no background in Algebra (even those who have taken Calc 3).I would avoid it, if possible.

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! ... Read more

Product Description

This text is designed to resolve the conflict between the abstractions of linear algebra and the needs and abilities of the students who may have dealt only briefly with the theoretical aspects of previous mathematics courses. The author recognizes that many students will at first feel uncomfortable, or at least unfamiliar, with the theoretical nature inherent in many of the topics in linear algebra. Numerous discussions of the logical structure of proofs, the need to translate terminology into notation, and suggestions about efficient ways to discover a proof are included. This text combines the many simple and elegant results of elementary linear algebra with some powerful computational techniques to demonstrate that theorectical mathematics need not be difficult, mysterious, or useless. This book is written for the second course in linear algebra (or the first course, if the instructor is receptive to this approach).

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Average resource
I used this book in a math class and only purchased it because I am familar with the organization and layout of concepts in the book.The author writes the book that may be confusing to the first time student of linear algebra.If you are to use this book, I suggest to also pick up a copy of another linear algebra book that may concentrate on definitions and simpler proofs in the begining of the book.

Good reference book, poor learning tool.
While Messer shows good logic on how to impliment proofs, he fails to make good definitions of common terms.Most of the in text examples have nothing to do with the chapter they are in andare often so over simplified that it is impossible to extend the idea.The only reason that this book gets 2 stars is because it has a decent answer section.

Wonderful introduction to Linear Algebra and Math Proofs
We've used this book in our freshman course in Mathematics (Linear Algebra) at University of Copenhagen, Denmark. It's very good as a introduction to Mathematical Proofs too. ... Read more

Product Description
The unique feature of this compact student's introduction is that it presents concepts in an order that closely follows a standard mathematics curriculum, rather than structure the book along features of the software. As a result, the book provides a brief introduction to those aspects of the Mathematica software program most useful to students. The second edition of this well loved book is completely rewritten for Mathematica 6 including coverage of the new dynamic interface elements, several hundred exercises and a new chapter on programming. This book can be used in a variety of courses, from precalculus to linear algebra. Used as a supplementary text it will aid in bridging the gap between the mathematics in the course and Mathematica. In addition to its course use, this book will serve as an excellent tutorial for those wishing to learn Mathematica and brush up on their mathematics at the same time. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Fast and useful manual...cheap too
Needed this for a math lab course. Not much to say other than it came in really fast and in great condition... though I'm sure I would only be using it for this semester only.

an excellent introduction
I read through this quickly today and found it very informative, if alittle short
on 'wow' factor. Learning Mathmatica depends on gaining a command of its
quirky syntax and i thought the author did a good job of guiding the reader through
an interesting array of examples in precalc, calc and lin alg, nicely driving home
various syntax issues in multiple contexts. Graphing and Manipulate functions get
special attention. The threshold issue on help books is "is this better than the
documentation". The answer is a decided yes. I might have wished for some extended
problem examples--like newton's method, or pendelum problem--that lend themselves
to the mathmatica notebook format. Minus one star for an unsatisfactory introduction
to wolfram programming. Overall--a very readable and likable presentation of an
exciting software. Addendum: added back a star after visiting the website and
downloading the reference notebooks--an awesome collection of syntax.

Wonderful supplement
Being that Dr Bruce Torrence is my academic advisor at Randolph-Macon College, my opinion is obviously biased.However, I do know for a fact that both authors have worked with Mathematica in its many iterations and are very good at what they do; they have watched the software grow and expand and, as such, are very familiar with the program.An excellent supplement for his classroom, this book is a brilliant introduction as well as reference for new and old Mathematica users alike.

Just right!
This is the perfect start for someone who knows a modest amount of this math and nothing about Mathematica. The exercises flow logically and I find them fun to do. I tried a few other guides and zzzz!

A Great First Step
This book is designed to jump start the reader's experience with Mathematica. Since people learn best by example, reviewing "basic" math examples (Algebra, Calculus, and Linear Algebra) provides a "painless" introduction to the new environment. This book is not intended to be complete in any sense. But it WILL make you feel comfortable with the daunting new interface of Mathematica.

This is the only Mathematica book that I have finished. It was a great introduction, and I still use as a reference.

If you are thinking about buying Mathematica--DON'T get it without some introductory book. This one as a good start. ... Read more

Product Description
Linear algebra permeates mathematics, perhaps more so than any other single subject. It plays an essential role in pure and applied mathematics, statistics, computer science, and many aspects of physics and engineering. This book conveys in a user-friendly way the basic and advanced techniques of linear algebra from the point of view of a working analyst. The techniques are illustrated by a wide sample of applications and examples that are chosen to highlight the tools of the trade. In short, this is material that the author wishes he had been taught as a graduate student. Roughly the first third of the book covers the basic material of a first course in linear algebra. The remaining chapters are devoted to applications drawn from vector calculus, numerical analysis, control theory, complex analysis, convexity and functional analysis. In particular, fixed point theorems, extremal problems, matrix equations, zero location and eigenvalue location problems, and matrices with nonnegative entries are discussed. Appendices on useful facts from analysis and supplementary information from complex function theory are also provided for the convenience of the reader. The book is suitable as a text or supplementary reference for a variety of courses on linear algebra and its applications, as well as for self-study. ... Read more

Product 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