Linear Algebra and Its Applications

by Peter D. Lax

Praise for the First Edition

". . .recommended for the teacher and researcher as well as for graduate students. In fact, it] has a place on every mathematician's bookshelf." -American Mathematical Monthly

Linear Algebra and Its Applications, Second Edition presents linear algebra as the theory and practice of linear spaces and linear maps with a unique focus on the analytical aspects as well as the numerous applications of the subject...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471751561
• ISBN13: 9780471751564
• Release Date: September 2007
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

concise and elegant, and also covers Banach spaces

I would compare this book with Paul Halmos' classic "Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces". Both books cover much in common, both in material and style. Each is slender and gracefully written. Lax takes us through many of the simple results and methods of linear algebra. Unlike Halmos, this book also covers computational aspects. A nod to the ever increasing prevalence of computers. The theorems are proven in a rigorous fashion. But with some attention, you should be able to follow the logic. Lax also provides a discussion of Banach spaces - complete normed spaces. Whereas other linear algebra texts might focus more on Hilbert spaces, which are complete inner product spaces. The inner product is bilinear, which leads to easier analysis than for normed spaces. Which is perhaps why Banach spaces are typically not as well covered.

Excellent Graduate Presentation of Linear Algebra

I used to hate this book but it was due to inadequate presentation at the time I was first introduced to it. Over time it has become my favorite Linear Algebra text. Use Axler's "Linear Algebra Done Right" then move up to this text. Being able to do linear algebra at this level is crucial to anyone doing advanced mathematics, science, and engineering. Be sure to have it handy.

My first math book without picturse and examples

I used Lax in my honor linear algebra class as a college freshman. With not much previous experience in abstract math, this book could be a bit frustrating. However, if you really strive to understand what each sentence really means, it's not all that difficult. This is a very concise book and at times I spent hours reading one page. My class didn't end up covering the whole book, but I finished it on my own the summer following my freshman year. Now I feel very confident about linear algebra and it led to my later more in-depth study in algebra.

Best Linear Algebra Review Book

Linear Algebra is one of the most basic topics in science and engineering. Everyone takes an undergraduate course, but few science/engineering graduate students have mastery of the material upon entering grad school. I find that Lax's book is an excellent book to recommend to our graduate students for self review. The few but very well chosen topics and the straightforward yet deep way they are covered make the book engaging, thought provoking, and easily followed by upper level undergrads and beginning grad students. A student with a mastery of the material in this book will have little trouble with grad courses in the many engineering and science courses that rely on linear algebra.