Hi all -- I need a good reference about linear algebra

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
22 replies · 4K views
ahmed habala
Messages
19
Reaction score
2
hi all
i need a good Reference about mathematics
my level in mathematics as zero
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
such as linear algebra or General Math or calculus
Greg Bernhardt said:
What topics?
 
QuantumQuest said:
What do you mean by that?
i mean that i don't know anything about it
 
ahmed habala said:
i mean that i don't know anything about it

Although this is still absolutely abstract, if anyway you know just arithmetic, then you need some pre books - like pre-algebra, pre-calculus etc. ,as to grasp the very fundamentals and go from there. There are many good texts on all these and of particular help in my opinion, is Wikipedia in order to get into context as well and maybe some history of math too.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Kilo Vectors
QuantumQuest said:
Although this is still absolutely abstract, if anyway you know just arithmetic, then you need some pre books - like pre-algebra, pre-calculus etc. ,as to grasp the very fundamentals and go from there. There are many good texts on all these and of particular help in my opinion, is Wikipedia in order to get into context as well and maybe some history of math too.
thank you ,sir
 
Try to explain what you already know, for example, if you're a high-school student you should probably know something of trigonometry and analytic geometry right?
 
Andreol263 said:
Try to explain what you already know, for example, if you're a high-school student you should probably know something of trigonometry and analytic geometry right?

maybe not right what i mean that i know little information about it
 
Linear Algebra Done Right - Sheldon Axler is a good book.
To understand linear algebra, you need to know the theory of matrices and determinants.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ahmed habala
Maths Absorber said:
Linear Algebra Done Right - Sheldon Axler is a good book.
To understand linear algebra, you need to know the theory of matrices and determinants.
thank you very much
 
Reading two books of different approaches always helps. It makes the brain interleave the concepts. Another really good book is Gilbert Strang - Linear Algebra and its Applications. However, if you need help building the background you need to start with books about matrices, algebra equations and inequalities.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ahmed habala
Maths Absorber said:
Reading two books of different approaches always helps. It makes the brain interleave the concepts. Another really good book is Gilbert Strang - Linear Algebra and its Applications. However, if you need help building the background you need to start with books about matrices, algebra equations and inequalities.
thank you you're very helpful
 
Hi Ahmed,

I think the best way to go would be to take an online course on edx.org . For example, there is a great course named "Linear Algebra: Foundations to Frontiers", taught by Professor Robert A. van de Geijn from the University of Texas (the course is now archived, but all the video lectures and other materials are still available). Just follow this link:
https://courses.edx.org/courses/UTAustinX/UT.5.02x/1T2015/info
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ahmed habala
I recommend:

Pre algebra for dummies, Algebra 1, 2 for dummies (two separate books).

Schaums outlines:
Basic mathematics with applications to science and technology (good for physicists and engineering people)
College algebra
Beginning calculus.

I am also trying to read, "what is mathematics?" on the side.

I know its a lot of material :( but to truly master mathematics I think it is worth the effort..
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ahmed habala
NumericalFEA said:
Hi Ahmed,

I think the best way to go would be to take an online course on edx.org . For example, there is a great course named "Linear Algebra: Foundations to Frontiers", taught by Professor Robert A. van de Geijn from the University of Texas (the course is now archived, but all the video lectures and other materials are still available). Just follow this link:
https://courses.edx.org/courses/UTAustinX/UT.5.02x/1T2015/info
thank you very much
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Kilo Vectors
Maths Absorber said:
Linear Algebra Done Right - Sheldon Axler is a good book.
To understand linear algebra, you need to know the theory of matrices and determinants.
The answers to exercises & problems, are sold only to actual teachers in employement. I handled a copy of the book; most beautiful on acid free, glossy paper. A first revision of it, would be much appreciated. Very easy to read and understand, illustrated, book of math that is worthy of being chosen by decisions Makers for high school (as an advanced optional three credit course) or first year college in fall quadrimester. The prerequisites of any academic first course in linear algebra taught in North America, are 1) all the math offered at primary & secondary schools, 2) a course in physical sciences and 3) a course in physics at high school. Sheldon Axler has to be mentionned first, endeed. _____ For the rare pupils who have benefited from a non conventional but geometric approach to trigonometry (where tan, cotan, sec^2, cos^2 etc correspond to specific segments of lines, may I suggest Linea Algebra, by Harold M. Edwards (with all the answers and often with full procedure; but not illustrated)?
 
Hi Ahmed, I think your title is misleading? surely you mean only basic maths (basic calculus, basic algebra..) and then linear algebra? I believe the op wanted books for basic maths as they said their level in mathematics isn't that high.
 
I recommend Hefferon's Linear Algebra if you have no experience with the proofs and linear algebra rap whatsoever. His book is available for free at his website. After reading his book, you can read either Axler or Hoffman/Kunze (my favorite) to learn more about the linear algebra from the theoretical aspect, and as a stepping stone to the functional analysis if you are interested in it.
 
theBin said:
The answers to exercises & problems, are sold only to actual teachers in employement. I handled a copy of the book; most beautiful on acid free, glossy paper. A first revision of it, would be much appreciated. Very easy to read and understand, illustrated, book of math that is worthy of being chosen by decisions Makers for high school (as an advanced optional three credit course) or first year college in fall quadrimester. The prerequisites of any academic first course in linear algebra taught in North America, are 1) all the math offered at primary & secondary schools, 2) a course in physical sciences and 3) a course in physics at high school. Sheldon Axler has to be mentionned first, endeed. _____ For the rare pupils who have benefited from a non conventional but geometric approach to trigonometry (where tan, cotan, sec^2, cos^2 etc correspond to specific segments of lines, may I suggest Linea Algebra, by Harold M. Edwards (with all the answers and often with full procedure; but not illustrated)?

I'd like to try the book you mention, but what is the non conventional approach to geometry ?
 
''A Geometrical Approach to the Six Trigonometric Ratios'', by Martin V. Bonsangue, in The Mathematics Teacher, Vol.86, No.6' September 1993, pp496-498