Basic Linear Algebra 2nd Edition [Paperback]

T. S. Blyth (Author), Edmund F. Robertson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1852336625 | ISBN-13: 978-1852336622 | Publication Date: August 26, 2002 | Edition: 2nd

Basic Linear Algebra is a text for first year students leading from concrete examples to abstract theorems, via tutorial-type exercises. More exercises (of the kind a student may expect in examination papers) are grouped at the end of each section. The book covers the most important basics of any first course on linear algebra, explaining the algebra of matrices with applications to analytic geometry, systems of linear equations, difference equations and complex numbers. Linear equations are treated via Hermite normal forms which provides a successful and concrete explanation of the notion of linear independence. Another important highlight is the connection between linear mappings and matrices leading to the change of basis theorem which opens the door to the notion of similarity. This new and revised edition features additional exercises and coverage of Cramer's rule (omitted from the first edition). However, it is the new, extra chapter on computer assistance that will be of particular interest to readers: this will take the form of a tutorial on the use of the "LinearAlgebra" package in MAPLE 7 and will deal with all the aspects of linear algebra developed within the book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews: "It embodies a beautiful, concise and precise treatment of the subject, with succint numerical and algebra worked examples at the right points... an excellent textbook which is also eminently suitable for self-study..." Zentralblatt MATH "This is the second edition of a text for first-year students which covers the main themes of linear algebra in a succinct and readable way. … The book is well-written, with a very high standard of proof-reading, and there are full answers to all the exercises … . It should be welcomed as an excellent introductory textbook which could be used either for self-study and to complement a course of lectures." (Gerry Leversha, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 87 (509), 2003)

Product Details

• Paperback: 243 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 2nd edition (August 26, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852336625
• ISBN-13: 978-1852336622
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #223,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bad for teaching, Ideal for reference, December 14, 2005

By 

Jason (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

I used this book as the primary text in my Basic Linear Algebra class. The information is presented in a manner that is overly dense for instruction, and the problems are, at best, mediocre. Fortunately for us, the instructor wrote his own problems for our practice.
Later, I needed to give a friend a crash course in linear algebra for a philosophy of science course he was starting. I used this book as a reference for my tutoring, and it was ideal. The chapter layout and examples are perfect for use as a reference by one who is already familiar with the material. I let my friend borrow this book for the semester and he has repeated my opinion, that it makes an ideal reference book.
A five star book would have a reasonable balance of reference and teaching, this one fails in teaching and makes for an excellent reference, so I am giving a rating of three stars.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not very impressed., March 8, 2002

By 

"nikitoz" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

We use this book in my Linear Algebra class, and i really dont like it. The book is pretty terse, and doesnt explain things very clearly. Text needs to be re-read several times to understand the concepts. If you can get a more detailed book on the subject with clearer explanations.

3 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vision Researcher, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

Linear Algebra is the core of computer vision related research. I highly recommend this book for people who are willing to make research in this field.