Customer Reviews

Elementary Linear Algebra

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm taking Linear Algebra right now, and have long since left the lectures behind. The book pulls you along with exciting, unifying concepts for its whole length. And since that's exactly what I've done, I can say that this book is perfect for people who want to study the subject on their own without taking a class; it is comprehensive and clear, covering all of its material on its own without relying on a prof to interpret.

And although linear algebra is probably the most pure math a student just coming off the Calculus 1/2/3 track has seen, the book is loaded with real-world applications. In fact, every chapter ends with an entire section of nothing but applications!

Larson relies heavily on proofs to support and also teach concepts. The important theorems are all proven very clearly. Larson seems to keep in mind that his readers are there because they're still learning the subject matter- something most math books forget when proving theorems for nothing but rigor's sake. There are a few exercises in each section called "guided proofs" which require you to prove some interesting consequence of the section's material and outline basic steps for you to take. These exercises are really a brilliant device for helping students to really think instead of following step-by-step formulas. I would complain, however, that there are many un-guided proof exercises that are difficult and aren't realistic to expect elementary linear algebra students to complete.

Still, reading this textbook is a real pleasure. It's concise and powerful and, importantly, always illustrates all concepts with examples, in addition to the half-dozen-to-dozen general examples for each section.

Very often math books can be hard to read or follow. This book is very readable and the examples are well written and explained. I liked the layout of the book and how the authors either reviewed the material or referred to its location earlier in the book. There are a lot of questions, which are laid out in a progressive manner from the basics to the mastery level. The authors also provided resources to assist with the use of technology (though not for the n-Spire yet). Finally, as one who generally needs to see (i.e. classroom) to learn, I believe that with this text I could have taught my self Linear Algebra fairly easily.

This textbook paired with a good teacher can make you learn a lot during your course of Linear Algebra. I would say it would also be a good book to self-study from because there are numerous exercises and from experience, there is a lot of pencil whipping to it. Most of the proofs in this book are not exceedingly complicated and can be solved with medium difficulty. Just have to put some thought into it because some proofs can turn out long when they really only take a few steps. My course wasn't taught really with applications, 90% theory, but the book has a decent amount of problems for those doing engineering, physics, and other things. I never bought the solutions manual, but it was useful to check the true and false answers for more explanation and I would recommend getting it. I would say don't use it often though because it can be a crutch. With a decent amount of studying, this would be an ideal text for a first course in Linear Algebra at a sophomore level.

This text was definitely straight to the point. Like many, I did not get to pick a Linear Algebra text, it was required for the class. I am a math major, but I do not think that this text is beyond anyone in college. The sections that require calculus are clearly marked and not essential to the subject matter.

Bought this book prior to taking LA. The text book for my 300 level class was the Leon text book. I ended up using this book much more. For computations it was much better, for theory and proofs about the same. Very well done.

What I thought I was buying was a paperback edition of the book without the useless WebAssign material. What I received was a full hardcover book in near perfect condition. Much better quality than the flimsy paperbacks that usually get torn up after the first few weeks.

Book came in quickly, on-time, and in condition that the company said it would be in. I will order from this company again.

The book was as described, and I received it on time. That was great!