Linear Algebra: Gateway to Mathematics (Paperback)

by Robert Messer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This text is designed to resolve the conflict between the abstractions of linear algebra and the needs and abilities of the students who may have dealt only briefly with the theoretical aspects of previous mathematics courses. The author recognizes that many students will at first feel uncomfortable, or at least unfamiliar, with the theoretical nature inherent in many of the topics in linear algebra. Numerous discussions of the logical structure of proofs, the need to translate terminology into notation, and suggestions about efficient ways to discover a proof are included. This text combines the many simple and elegant results of elementary linear algebra with some powerful computational techniques to demonstrate that theorectical mathematics need not be difficult, mysterious, or useless. This book is written for the second course in linear algebra (or the first course, if the instructor is receptive to this approach).

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley (January 23, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0065017285
• ISBN-13: 978-0065017281
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #917,849 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to Linear Algebra and Math Proofs, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

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.

3.0 out of 5 stars Average resource, October 23, 2007

By	A. Kaszubowski "handyman2452" (Altoona, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good reference book, poor learning tool., November 6, 2001

By A Customer

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.