Why cant i learn linear algebra?

[achuthan1988]

I have enrolled for a distance learning progaramme from IGNOU(big mistake!).There is a paper on linear algebra.The university gives a study material which i find boring. i recently bought Gilbert Strang's linear algebra book. Any other good sources online?

[klajv]

You probably know this but here is video lectures by Gilbert Strang

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-06-linear-algebra-spring-2010/video-lectures/

[faribataghavi]

Yes, there are lots of book:

1) Elementary Linear Algebra (2nd Edition) (very nice book)
Lawrence E. Spence, Arnold J. Insel, Stephen H. Friedberg:
http://library.nu/docs/1AE3ONR9XD/Elementary%20Linear%20Algebra%20%282nd%20Edition%2 9
(which has a solution manual: http://library.nu/docs/LDPQ2VOB3U/Student%20Solution%20Manual%20for%20Elementary%20L inear%20Algebra


2) Elementary Linear Algebra, 6th edition
Ron Larson, David C. Falvo
http://library.nu/docs/L5P1XNUYVJ/Elementary%20Linear%20Algebra%2C%206th%20edition


3) Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications 9 edition
Howard Anton, Chris Rorres
http://library.nu/docs/9VI3Y1AHXR/Elementary%20Linear%20Algebra%20with%20Application s%209%20edition

Good Luck!

[achuthan1988]

i have
1)jim hefferon's ebook
2)glibert strang's book
3)Howard anton's ebook
4)Larson's ebook
5)Friedberg's ebook

Where do i start? i want to read the study material given by my college and also supplement that with a textbook

[achuthan1988]

I will post the chapters covered in my course...

[achuthan1988]

There are a total of 15 chapters
1)Sets functions and fields
2)Two and three dimensional spaces
3)Vector spaces
4)Basis and dimension
5)Linear transformation -I
6)Linear transformation -II
7)Matrices-I
8)Matrices-II
9)Determinants
10)Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
11) Characteristic and minimal polynomial
12) Inner product spaces
13) Hermitian and unitary operators
14) Real quadratic forms
15) Conics

[bapowell]

The first 10 chapters are core components of any introductory course.

[achuthan1988]

So which book would contain the majority of the topics?( refer the previous post)

[bapowell]

I would suggest looking through your texts to find those with chapters that cover the first ten of your course.

[wisvuze]

If you find linear algebra boring, I would perhaps look at the Friedberg book .. In my opinion, it is much better than the others you have listed there, and it does indeed cover all the topics you have listed

But I'm talking about this friedberg book: http://www.amazon.com/Linear-Algebra-4th-Stephen-Friedberg/dp/0130084514

I am not sure which one you have, because he has at least two linear algebra books under his name

[micromass]

Indeed, the Friedberg book is an excellent book on linear algebra. It'll teach you linear algebra the way it's supposed to be done (in my opinion). Certainly look through it!!

I would also suggest making a lot of exercises on matrices. This can be really important. A Schaum's outline will be perfect for its many exercises!!

[achuthan1988]

i have friedberg's linear algebra a matrix approach.That is not the one you meant!:cry: