Linear Algebra with Applications (2nd Edition) [Hardcover]

Otto Bretscher (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0130198579 | ISBN-13: 978-0130198570 | Publication Date: February 15, 2001 | Edition: 2

With the most geometric presentation now available, this reference emphasizes linear transformations as a unifying theme, and enables users to “do” both computational and abstract math in each chapter. A second theme is introduced half way through the text—when eigenvectors are reached—on dynamical systems. It also includes a wider range of problem sets than found in any other book in this market. Chapter topics include systems of linear equations; linear transformations; subspaces of Rn and their dimension; linear spaces; orthogonality and least squares; determinants; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; symmetric matrices and quadratic forms; and linear differential equations. For anyone seeking an introduction to linear algebra.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This introduction to linear algebra focuses on dynamical systems -- continuous and discrete -- as a unifying theme, as motivation for eigenvectors, and in examples of major applications of linear algebra -- particularly systems of differential equations. Pedagogically strong ,it introduces abstract concepts gradually and gently -- without "spoon feeding" students. It uses visualization and geometrical interpretations extensively and features an abundance of both routine and thought-provoking problems and exercises involving abstract concepts and applications. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

With the most geometric presentation now available, this reference emphasizes linear transformations as a unifying theme, and enables users to “do” both computational and abstract math in each chapter. A second theme is introduced half way through the text—when eigenvectors are reached—on dynamical systems. It also includes a wider range of problem sets than found in any other book in this market. Chapter topics include systems of linear equations; linear transformations; subspaces of Rn and their dimension; linear spaces; orthogonality and least squares; determinants; eigenvalues and eigenvectors; symmetric matrices and quadratic forms; and linear differential equations. For anyone seeking an introduction to linear algebra.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 2 edition (February 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130198579
• ISBN-13: 978-0130198570
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #228,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The WORST, September 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Linear Algebra with Applications (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

This was perhaps the most poorly written textbook I've ever encountered. Theorems weren't defined completely or clearly. There were problems whose solution methods could in no way be extrapolated from the text alone; I had to use several other books. I recommend not buying this book unless it's required for a class. I'm sure there are many better references or self-teaching books out there.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Professor hates book, September 26, 2007

By 

E. Kincaid "skipu06" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Linear Algebra with Applications (3rd Edition) (Hardcover)

This is the first semester my college has used this book and it will most likely be its last. Everyday, my professor says how unhappy he is with this book because they present information in an odd sequence. For instance, we learned about subspaces before knowing what an actual space is. This makes the book very confusing and hard to follow. Just a warning: almost every example (not problem) in this book is done in symbols which is sometimes hard to follow. Overall, I would not buy this book

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Difficult and Too Concise, December 21, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Linear Algebra with Applications (2nd Edition) (Hardcover)

I've never had such a hard time in a math class. I realized quickly that linear algebra is completely different from the mechanical things I've been learning. This subject is very different and very abstract. I knew I really had to STUDY and not just read this book.

Considering all of this, when I picked this book up, I was apprenhensive from the start. Whenever I see a thin book assigned for a subject that's entirely unfamiliar to students, I know it's going to be a very concise book without many examples and detailed explanations.

The few people who have given this book rave reviews sound like instructors. If you are an instructor reading this review, please keep one thing in mind: textbooks are written for students, not you. What difference does it make if you think it's great but your students can't understand the most basic concepts, which was happening in my class? Yes, this book will make you think--think for hours on such basic concepts as what's the difference between a rotation and reflection. One more example of a linear transformation would've made all the difference in the world. The very first exercises will often leave most students saying, huh? Thinking is great but if you have to search the web and buy other books to get more information, that book is worthless.

I'm a computer science major and there are books I really think are well-written but I would never recommend them to someone who's never touched the subject. I believe if most of the students don't like it, there's something wrong with the book (many of my classmates complained about this book as well). If you are a math major or someone with a PhD, of course, a concise and clean explanation is great. But for students who've never had it, it's a nightmare. It's a situation I see too often: the textbooks that are assigned usually get the worst reviews yet they keep getting assigned again and again. This is especially true in science and math courses.