Customer Reviews

Linear Algebra: Gateway to Mathematics

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

 

 

We've used this book in our freshman course in Mathematics (Linear Algebra) at University of Copenhagen, Denmark. It's very good as a introduction to Mathematical Proofs too.

I used this book in a math class and only purchased it because I am familar with the organization and layout of concepts in the book. The author writes the book that may be confusing to the first time student of linear algebra. If you are to use this book, I suggest to also pick up a copy of another linear algebra book that may concentrate on definitions and simpler proofs in the begining of the book.

I didn't realize that the seller was shipping from overseas at first, so I was a little surprised at the late delivery date estimate. Once I realized where the book was coming from, it made more sense. However, the delivery was significantly delayed--I finally received the item nearly two months after I ordered it, and almost a month after it was expected to arrive. So, while the book was in good condition, the delivery could have been faster.

While Messer shows good logic on how to impliment proofs, he fails to make good definitions of common terms. Most of the in text examples have nothing to do with the chapter they are in and are often so over simplified that it is impossible to extend the idea. The only reason that this book gets 2 stars is because it has a decent answer section.