Customer Reviews

Learning Linear Algebra Through Derive (Learning through computer algebra)

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"Learning Linear Algebra Through Derive" by Brian Denton

This book is a good example of how all college level math textbooks should be written. It focuses on understanding the concepts of linear algebra by following a basic form of presenting a theorem and then working through the proof combined with exercises focusing on both methods and proofs of properties along with independent exploratory exercises for use with Derive (PC math program). This method of presentation is excellent for understanding the basic fundamentals and developing thinking skills to heighten knowledge of the material. The text covers the following areas of linear algebra:

1. The Idea of a Matrix (basic operations) 2. The Determinant 3. Vectors 4. More Matrices (properties, finding inverse matrices, solving systems of eqs.) 5. Systems of Linear Equations (more solution methods, error checking, perturbations) 6. Vector Spaces and Linear Transformations 7. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 8. Orthogonal Matrices 9. Applications

This book would easily get five stars if it did not omit basic proofs in some of the later chapters, saying that they can be found in any traditional linear algebra text. This necessitates the use of a secondary text and hence reduces the completeness of this book. By using this book I have learned the material covered in a semester-long course in greater depth in under a month. I believe this book is a very useful tool for anyone learning linear algebra.