Customer Reviews

Linear Algebra: An Introduction

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

 

 

As I started my studies at Uni and we got this horrible Algebra teacher I was looking for some good book to help me pass this course. This book met all my requirements. This book starts with a very easy example of a matrix and builds up from there with easy to follow steps. Even though the book is very easy to read and explains Algebra very comprehensively it still meets the universitiy-level. Everything stated is formally proved or left as an exercise. An excellent book for a guy that thought he'd never understand linear algebra. This book proved me wrong. It may lack some topics, but the ones in the book surely can't be found elsewehre explained as good as in there.

I've tried to learn on my own from several other linear algebra books (Anton, Lay, McMahon), but like many college-level math textbooks, the authors too often emphasize elegance at the cost of clarity. This frequently leaves me scratching my head, asking "How did he get here from there"? Bronson is the only linear algebra text I've seen that SKIPS NO STEPS. I wish more mathematicians understood how critical to learning explanation and illustration are, in contrast to adding Yet Another Proof.

This is not to say that Bronson isn't rigorous. But his exposition comes first; only then does he get formal--his proofs do not substitute for discussion. (In fact, his proofs are often quite straightforward and intuitive, IMHO).

Bronson's is a very welcome attitude among math instructors. This is an excellent book.

Overall this is very well written, an excellent introduction to the subject. It would definitely be a five-star book if it weren't for all the mistakes. A few typos are acceptable, but too many of the example problems and solutions had incorrect, confusing errors. I spent most of my reading time trying to sort these out!

the book has lots of errors in it but if it is mandated by the professor what can you do? if not then the first edition is better.

This book is really well written. I think it is for lay men because it is very explanatory. It probably won't help with the proofs..... but as far as actual application goes this book will probably get you through 5/6ths of the material.

Clean up, or clear up, those errors and 'typos' and you'll be a '5-star' all the way!!!