Linear Algebra

Description

Linear Algebra offers a unified treatment of both matrix-oriented and theoretical approaches to the course, which will be useful for classes with a mix of mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science students. Major topics include singular value decomposition, the spectral theorem, linear systems of equations, vector spaces, linear maps, matrices, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, linear independence, bases, coordinates, dimension, matrix factorizations, inner products, norms, and determinants.

Elizabeth S. Meckes is Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio. Her research is in probability and analysis, with an emphasis on random matrix theory. She received her bachelor's (2001) and master's (2002) degrees at Case Western Reserve University, and her doctoral degree (2006) at Stanford University. She is currently writing a monograph on random matrices (Cambridge, forthcoming). Mark W. Meckes is Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio. His research is in analysis and probability, focusing on random matrix theory and metric geometry. He received his bachelor's (1999) and doctoral (2003) degrees at Case Western Reserve University, Ohio.

'This is a book for anyone who wants to really understand linear algebra. Instead of mere cookbook recipes or dry proofs, it provides explanations, examples, pictures - and, yes, algorithms and proofs too, but only after the reader is able to understand them. And while it is aimed at beginners, even experts will have something to learn from this book.' John Baez, University of California, Riverside 'This is an exciting and entertaining book. It keeps an informal tone, but without sacrificing accuracy or clarity. It takes care to address common difficulties (and the classroom testing shows), but without talking down to the reader. It uses the modern understanding of how to do linear algebra right, but remains accessible to first-time readers.' Tom Leinster, University of Edinburgh 'Linear algebra is one of the most important topics in mathematics, as linearity is exploited throughout applied mathematics and engineering. Therefore, the tools from linear algebra are used in many fields. However, they are often not presented that way, which is a missed opportunity. The authors have written a linear algebra book that is useful for students from many fields (including mathematics). A great feature of this book is that it presents a formal linear algebra course that clearly makes (coordinate) matrices and vectors the fundamental tools for problem solving and computations.' Eric de Sturler, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 'It is a book well worth considering both for learning and teaching this important area of mathematics.' John Baylis, The Mathematical Gazette