Matrices and transformations (Teachers' mathematics reference series) [Hardcover]

Anthony J Pettofrezzo (Author)

Book Description

Series: Teachers' mathematics reference series | Publication Date: 1966

This text stresses the use of matrices in study of transformations of the plane. Familiarizes reader with role of matrices in abstract algebraic systems and illustrates its effective use as mathematical tool in geometry. Includes proofs of most theorems. Answers to odd-numbered exercises.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 133 pages
• Publisher: Prentice-Hall (1966)
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0006BNY60
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,369,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to Matrices. Great Price., November 7, 1999

By 

Michael Wischmeyer (Houston, Texas) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Matrices and Transformations (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

This fairly short Dover re-print edition is a good self-tutorial for students new to matrices. This book was originally published several years ago. but the mathematical notation is consistent with current texts. The first two chapters are moderately paced, covering such topics as real and complex matrices, Hermitian matrices, the inverse and rank of a matrix, and a brief introduction to systems of linear equations. The third chapter is a bit unique in focusing on application of matrices to transformations of the plane. I have encountered this topic in bits and pieces in various texts and I found this overview both interesting and helpful.

The final chapter, titled Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, was a bit too concise, touching too briefly on more complicated topics like diagonalization of matrices, Hamilton-Cayley Theorem, and quadratic forms. I recommend working through the fourth chapter (this is a short book) rather quickly to get a basic understanding, but then moving to more detailed treatments of eigenvalues and related topics elsewhwere. As a follow-up, I recommend another Dover edition - An Introduction to Matrices, Sets, ad Groups for Science Students. However, this text assumes substantial familiarity with manipulation of determinants.

All in all, this book is a good buy and a good starting point for studying matrices.