Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) [Paperback]

Thomas S. Blyth (Author), Edmund F. Robertson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540761225 | ISBN-13: 978-3540761228 | Publication Date: February 3, 2000

Basic Linear Algebra is a text for first year students, working from concrete examples towards abstract theorems, via tutorial-type exercises. The book explains the algebra of matrices with applications to analytic geometry, systems of linear equations, difference equations, and complex numbers. Linear equations are treated via Hermite normal forms, which provides a successful and concrete explanation of the notion of linear independence. Another highlight is the connection between linear mappings and matrices, leading to the change of basis theorem which opens the door to the notion of similarity. The authors are well known algebraists with considerable experience of teaching introductory courses on linear algebra to students at St Andrews. This book is based on one previously published by Chapman and Hall, but it has been extensively updated to include further explanatory text and fully worked solutions to the exercises that all 1st year students should be able to answer.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It embodies a beautiful, concise and precise treatment of the subject, with succinct numerical and algebraic worked examples at the right points..." -- ZENTRALBLATT MATH

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Springer (February 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540761225
• ISBN-13: 978-3540761228
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #865,750 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Bad for teaching, Ideal for reference, December 14, 2005

By 

Jason (Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

I used this book as the primary text in my Basic Linear Algebra class. The information is presented in a manner that is overly dense for instruction, and the problems are, at best, mediocre. Fortunately for us, the instructor wrote his own problems for our practice.
Later, I needed to give a friend a crash course in linear algebra for a philosophy of science course he was starting. I used this book as a reference for my tutoring, and it was ideal. The chapter layout and examples are perfect for use as a reference by one who is already familiar with the material. I let my friend borrow this book for the semester and he has repeated my opinion, that it makes an ideal reference book.
A five star book would have a reasonable balance of reference and teaching, this one fails in teaching and makes for an excellent reference, so I am giving a rating of three stars.

6 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not very impressed., March 8, 2002

By 

"nikitoz" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

We use this book in my Linear Algebra class, and i really dont like it. The book is pretty terse, and doesnt explain things very clearly. Text needs to be re-read several times to understand the concepts. If you can get a more detailed book on the subject with clearer explanations.

3 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Vision Researcher, June 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Basic Linear Algebra (Springer Undergraduate Mathematics Series) (Paperback)

Linear Algebra is the core of computer vision related research. I highly recommend this book for people who are willing to make research in this field.