Introduction to Linear Algebra, 5th edition

For introductory courses in Linear Algebra.

A modern classic

Introduction to Linear Algebra, 5th Edition is a foundation book that bridges both practical computation and theoretical principles. Due to its flexible table of contents, it is accessible both for students majoring in the scientific, engineering, and social sciences and for students who want an introduction to mathematical abstraction and logical reasoning. To achieve this flexibility, the book centers on 3 principal topics: matrix theory and systems of linear equations, elementary vector space concepts, and the eigenvalue problem. It can be used for a 1-quarter or 1-semester course at the sophomore/junior level, or for a more advanced class at the junior/senior level.

This title is part of the Pearson Modern Classics series. Pearson Modern Classics are acclaimed titles at a value price.

Hallmark features of this title

• A gradual increase in the level of difficulty. In a typical linear algebra course, students find the techniques of Gaussian elimination and matrix operations fairly easy. Then, the ensuing material relating to vector spaces is suddenly much harder. The authors have done three things to lessen this abrupt midterm jump in difficulty: 1. Introduction of linear independence early, in Section 1.7. 2. A new Chapter 2, “Vectors in 2-space and 3-Space.” 3 .Introduction of vector space concepts such as subspace, basis and dimension in Chapter 3, in the familiar geometrical setting of Rn.
• Clarity of exposition. For many students, linear algebra is the most rigorous and abstract mathematical course they have taken since high-school geometry. The authors have tried to write the text so that it is accessible, but also so that it reveals something of the power of mathematical abstraction. To this end, the topics have been organized so that they flow logically and naturally from the concrete and computational to the more abstract. Numerous examples, many presented in extreme detail, have been included in order to illustrate the concepts.
• Supplementary exercises. A set of supplementary exercises are included at the end of each chapter. These exercises, some of which are true-false questions, are designed to test the student's understanding of important concepts. They often require the student to use ideas from several different sections.
• Extensive exercise sets. Numerous exercises, ranging from routine drill exercises to interesting applications, and exercises of a theoretical nature. The more difficult theoretical exercises have fairly substantial hints. The computational exercises are written using workable numbers that do not obscure the point with a mass of cumbersome arithmetic details.
• Spiraling exercises. Many sections contain a few exercises that hint at ideas that will be developed later.
• Integration of MATLAB. We have included a collection of MATLAB projects at the end of each chapter. For the student who is interested in computation, these projects provide hands-on experience with MATLAB.
• A short MATLAB appendix. A brief appendix on using MATLAB for problems that typically arise in linear algebra is included.