Customer Reviews

Linear Algebra with Applications

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

 

 

My background: Computer science / mathematics undergraduate with experience in calculus, discrete mathematics, and differential equations

Leon's text on linear algebra isn't bad, but there is room for improvement. Chapters 1, 2, and 3 do a good job of introducing the basic concepts of linear algebra, including matrix row operations, determinants, and linear independence. The book seems to lose clarity beginning in Chapter 4. The concepts become more abstract and Leon's notation interferes with the ability to clearly understand what he is talking about when it comes to linear transformations and issues regarding R(A) and orthogonality. Very important results are frequently understated as well. In a few cases, there aren't enough examples to go around - especially in Chapters 4 and 5. It is ironic compared to the relative overexplanation found in Chapter 1, for example.

Another qualm I have with this text is the chapter review sections, which are limited to MATLAB exercises and simple true/false questions. I think these sections need actual math problems devoted to them that force the reader to combine and use concepts learned in the preceeding chapter, rather than overly simple true/false questions.

On the other hand, the homework problems the book offers for each section are fairly worded and interesting to solve. There is an answer section, of course, for the odd numbered exercises. Also, there are several "Application" sections that demonstrate how linear algebra is used in real-life scenarios that provide a relevance to this study, just so the casual student doesn't wind up wondering "Where am I ever going to use this?"

The book is just okay, but it needs a really good professor to go along with it and elaborate on the concepts Leon either understates or fails to present clearly. On a side note, my book is only two years old (I bought it like new) and the binding is already falling apart.

If you buy this book then get used to phrases such as: "It can easly be seen that...." and "It can be shown that..." and let us not forget everyone's favorite "...which is left as an exercise for the reader." You will see at least one of these phrases in every section (yes section not chapter). ... For [the money] I think Leon could work out just 1 example in detail. Fortunately there is enough information on the internet you won't need to read this book, instead just carry it around so your professor thinks your using it (although it makes a great door stop when you done with the class). Overall I think that 1 star is too much for this but Amazon won't let me give it 0 stars.

Overall, I thought was well laid out. I would probably like to see more practical application of linear algebra to real world problems.

A very good introduction to linear algebra. Explanations are very clear. A very good exposition on vector spaces. Overall a good buy for starting in this most interesting subject.