Linear Algebra: An Introduction with Concurrent Examples
By addebook • Oct 3rd, 2008 • Category: Mathematics •
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Linear Algebra: An Introduction with Concurrent Examples
Linear Algebra: An Introduction with Concurrent Examples
By A. G. Hamilton
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Number Of Pages: 338
Publication Date: 1990-02-23
ISBN-10 / ASIN: 0521310423
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780521310420
Binding: Paperback
This is a readable introduction to linear algebra, starting at an elementary level. The book is intended for use in courses for both students of pure mathematics who may subsequently pursue more advanced study in the area, and for students who require linear algebra and its applications in other subjects. Throughout the text, emphasis is placed on applications of the subject in preference to more theoretical aspects. Worked examples are provided on every left hand page to accompany the text on the right hand page, allowing the reader to follow the text uninterrupted. To be most effective, the book should be worked through and learned from, using numerous exercises with solutions. For first year undergraduates who need a basic grounding in linear algebra and students of mathematics, physics and engineering, this is an excellent introductory text. This is an expanded version of the author’s previous book, A First Course in Linear Algebra.
Summary: Good, straightforward introduction
Rating: 4
This is a good, straightforward introduction to linear algebra. The “concurrent examples” approach works well. My main concern is that the geometric aspects of the subject are somewhat slighted. Geometry is treated very briefly (e.g., despite the emphasis on worked examples, there is not a single numerical example of a determination of the distance from a line to a point or from a plane to a point) and quite clumsily (e.g., using the cosine formula to prove a.b=|a||b|cos(theta), p. 108). This hampers the exposition later. For example, Gram–Schmidt is introduced only towards the end where it is prompted by the orthonormal eigenvector-matrix approach to diagonalisation of symmetric matrices, thus belittling its geometric importance. Also, it seems odd to have such an intricate discussion of diagonalisation without ever mentioning its use in finding A^n.
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