Elementary Linear Algebra

by Ron Larson, Bruce H. Edwards, David C. Falvo

Book Overview

ELEMENTARY LINEAR ALGEBRA's clear, careful, and concise presentation of material helps you fully understand how mathematics works. The author balances theory with examples, applications, and geometric... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395967171
• ISBN13: 9780395967171
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Length: 435 Pages
• Weight: 2.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 8.3" x 1.0"

Customer Reviews

Very good, solid textbook

I'm taking Linear Algebra right now, and have long since left the lectures behind. The book pulls you along with exciting, unifying concepts for its whole length. And since that's exactly what I've done, I can say that this book is perfect for people who want to study the subject on their own without taking a class; it is comprehensive and clear, covering all of its material on its own without relying on a prof to interpret. And although linear algebra is probably the most pure math a student just coming off the Calculus 1/2/3 track has seen, the book is loaded with real-world applications. In fact, every chapter ends with an entire section of nothing but applications! Larson relies heavily on proofs to support and also teach concepts. The important theorems are all proven very clearly. Larson seems to keep in mind that his readers are there because they're still learning the subject matter- something most math books forget when proving theorems for nothing but rigor's sake. There are a few exercises in each section called "guided proofs" which require you to prove some interesting consequence of the section's material and outline basic steps for you to take. These exercises are really a brilliant device for helping students to really think instead of following step-by-step formulas. I would complain, however, that there are many un-guided proof exercises that are difficult and aren't realistic to expect elementary linear algebra students to complete. Still, reading this textbook is a real pleasure. It's concise and powerful and, importantly, always illustrates all concepts with examples, in addition to the half-dozen-to-dozen general examples for each section.

best book on the subject i've seen

i was a math major at University of Georgia (i have graduated since then) and took intro to linear algebra several times. (okay it's not THAT funny.) it was a different teacher and a different book every time. which made it very easy for me to compare. this book was so much more organized and explained things so much better so that not only did i pass the class, i actually made an A. strongly recommended for all that is interested in the subject, or taking this class but having difficulties. this book will help you understand.

A very good beginning book on Linear Algebra

I really like the layout and presentation of subject matter in this textbook. If you want to self-teach, I can't think of a better companion text. Everything is clearly laid out in detail. It is oriented towards college sophomore and juniors who are also students of engineering or computer science. Knowledge of calculus is not required, although there are a couple of examples that use calculus that are clearly labeled and can be omitted without loss of continuity. There are theorems and proofs included, but this is very much an applied example-driven book. There is an abundance of diagrams and figures illustrating every point and example. There is currently a sixth edition, but if you can convince your instructor, go for this edition. I've seen the sixth edition and it offers no better a presentation than this one. Has matrix algebra somehow changed in the last five years? I don't think so. The following is the table of contents: 1. Systems of Linear Equations 2. Matrices 3. Determinants 4. Vector Spaces 5. Inner Product Spaces 6. Linear Transformations 7. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 8. Complex Vector Spaces The book has something extra special - every chapter has a section that shows how the material just presented figures into the solution of an actual problem. The following is the list of applications for each chapter: 1. Applications of Systems of Linear Equations a. Polynomial Curve Fitting b. Network Analysis 2. Applications of Matrix Operations a. Stochastic Matrices b. Crypotography c. Leontief Input-Output Models d. Least Squares Regression Analysis 3. Applications of Determinants a. The adjoint of a matrix b. Cramer's Rule c. Area, Volume, and Equations of lines and planes 4. Applications of Vector spaces a. Linear Differential Equations b. Conic sections and rotation 5. Applications of inner product spaces a. The cross product of two vectors in space b. Least squares approximations c. Fourier approximations 6. Applications of Linear Transformations a. Geometry of linear transformations in the plane. b. Computer graphics 7. Applications of eigenvectors and eigenvalues a. Population growth b. Systems of differential equations c. Quadratic equations Each of the first seven chapters also has two projects each which range from the very simple to the involved.

a great introductory treatment of linear algebra

for many students, linear algebra is the gateway to abstract mathematics. larson and edwards have created a textbook that gives students the "big picture" of linear algebra, before delving into the details.A great book for self-directed learning. Plenty of examples, extraordinary graphics.

An excellent introductory treatment of linear algebra!

I am a graduate student at Queen's University, Canada, and my research work is heavily involved with linear algebra. I had looked through many books on this subject, and found this book most concise and sufficient in exlaining the fundamental theories of linear algebra. I recommand this book to those who are just starting to discover the beauty of matrices.