Linear algebra is one of the most fundamental and all-around useful subjects in mathematics. The practical skills learned by studying linear algebrasuch as manipulating vectors and matricesform an essentialfoundation for applications in physics, computer science, statistics, machine learning, and many other fields of scientific study. Learning linear algebra can also be a lot of fun. Readers will experience numerous knowledge buzz moments when they feel math ideas click into placeand understand the connections between concepts.
The tools of linear algebra form a bridge to more advanced areas of mathematics. For example,learning about abstract vector spaces will help readers recognize the common vector space structure in seemingly unrelatedmathematical objects like matrices, polynomials, and functions. Linear algebra techniques apply not only to standard vectors,but to all mathematical objects that are vector-like!
Each section is a self-contained tutorial that covers the definitions,formulas, and explanations associated with a single topic. Check out the concept maps on the preceding pages to see the books many topics and the connections between them.
The book begins with a review chapter onnumbers, algebra, sets, equations, functions, geometry, and trigonometry (, where the linear algebra begins.
Chapters cover the core topics of linear algebra:vectors, bases, analytical geometry,matrices, linear transformations, matrix representations,vector spaces, inner product spaces,eigenvectors, and matrix decompositions. These chapters contain the material required for every university-level linear algebra course. Each section contains plenty of exercises so you can test your understanding as you read;and each chapter concludes with an extensive list of problems for further practice.
Chapters ) is unique to this book. Read this chapter to understand the fascinating laws of physics that govern the behaviour of atoms and photons.
The quick pace and lively explanations in this book provide interesting reading for students and non-students alike. Whether youre learning linear algebra for a course,reviewing material as a prerequisite for more advanced topics,or generally curious about the subject,this book will help you find your way in the land of linear algebra.
Students and educators can use this book as the main textbook for any university-level linear algebra course. It contains everything students need to know to prepare for a linear algebra final exam. Dont be fooled by the books small size compared to other textbooks: its all in here. The text is compact because weve distilled the essentials and removed the unnecessary crud.
The starting point of the No Bullshit Guide textbook series dates back to my student days when I was required to purchase expensive course textbooks,which were long and tedious to read. I said to myself,Something must be done,and started a publishing company to produce textbooks that explain math and physics concepts clearly, concisely, and affordably.
Minireference Co. is a publisher specializing in math and science. Our goal is to make advanced math modelling tools accessible to everyoneby producing affordable textbooks that explain math concepts clearly and concisely. Its time for a break from traditional textbooks that are expensive, heavy, and tedious to read. The books in the No Bullshit Guide series are an efficient and enjoyable alternative for learning mathematical subjects.
I have been teaching math and physics for more than 17 years as a private tutor. Through this experience,I learned to break complicated ideas into smaller, interconnected chunks that are easy to understand. An interesting feedback loop occurs when students learn concepts in small, manageable chunks:they experience knowledge buzz whenever concepts click into place,and this excitement motivates them to continue learning more. I know this from first-hand experience,both as a teacher and as a student. I completed my undergraduate studies in electrical engineering,then stayed on to earn a M.Sc. in physics,and a Ph.D. in computer science from McGill University. Linear algebra played a central role throughout my studies. With this book,I want to share with you some of what Ive learned about this expansive subject.