Looking for a Beginner-Friendly Linear Algebra Textbook?

[silver-rose]

Hello,

As I would like to learn Linear Algebra, it would be awesome if you guys could introduce me to a good LinAlg text for my level.

I do have knowledge of Multivariable Calculus and Differential Equations; although I have forgotten some [read:most] of the Diffi-Eq, my Multivariable is pretty decent. I've dabbled in Matricies, Row-reduction and the likes in High School, although none of that was formally/rigorously introduced.

I am considering this book:

“Introduction to Vectors and Tensors, Vol. 1, Linear and

Multilinear Algebra” by Ray M. Bowen and C.-C. Wang.

Although I must admit, I feel that it might be beyond me at this point.

Thanks :)

 

[silver-rose]

Nevermind, my bad, that book is surely beyond my abilities atm.

What about:

Linear Algebra: An Introduction by Richard Bronson
or
Linear Algebra by Hefferon, Jim.

Their contents seem pretty similar to me...so I'll probably end up using one of the Creative Common licensed online texts just cause they're free..

 

[dzogi]

You might be interested in Linear Algebra Done Right, Axler.

 

[Dr Transport]

I like the Schaum's outline...

 

[dx]

Linear Algebra and its Applications
Gilbert Strang

 

[symbolipoint]

Linear Algebra and its Applications
Gilbert Strang

Incredibly difficult one. I tried studying from it and could not succeed through the first chapter. It became very difficult very fast. Even Calculus+Analytic Geometry III from a common Calculus textbook was easier than that linear algebra book.

 

[kuahji]

I got Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction by David Poole because someone else recommended it in this thread https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=226385.

So far I like it & there is a solution manual as well (buy separately). Can't top the Amazon reviews. Though I can't honestly say I've delved to far into it yet. But the thread has a few other recommendations as well.

 

[silver-rose]

Linear Algebra and its Applications
Gilbert Strang

There are video lectures based on that book on MIT OCW.

 

[mathwonk]

heres a good eSY BOOK OF HIGH QUALITY AND CHEAP.

Elementary linear algebra (ISBN: 0879010258)
Paul C Shields
Bookseller: thriftbooks.com
(Auburn, WA, U.S.A.)
Bookseller Rating:
Price: US$ 1.00
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Quantity: 2 Shipping within U.S.A.:
US$ 3.95
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Book Description: Worth Publishers. Book Condition: Good. Spend Less. Read More. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Bookseller Inventory # G0879010258I3N00

 

[Howers]

Easy (not reccommended):
Linear Algebra & Applications by Keith Nicholson
Linear Algebra & Applications by Lay (more like super easy)

Medium:
Linear Algebra by Gilbert/Gilbert - very accessible book. Don't let amazon fool you. It assumes you know basic vectors. But its just a great read.

Linear Algebra Done Right by Axler - popular book, for its determinant free proofs.

Linear Algebra by Strang

Hard:
Linear Algebra by Friedberg

Advanced Linear Algebra by Roman

 

[stupiduser]

Was browsing this site... Anyway, I found this on aMule a few weeks ago:

rapidshare.com/files/115327924/Solutions_to_Axler__Linear_Algebra_Done_Right.pdf.html

It seems to contain a solution to pretty much every exercise in Axler. Might help those thinking about reading it on their own (add http etc. to the link... used to only browsing the site and I can't post links with a fresh username).

 

[morphism]

Not long ago mathwonk posted a link to what appears to be a very good linear algebra text, available for free here: http://www.math.brown.edu/~treil/papers/LADW/LADW.pdf

 

[maverick280857]

What about 'Linear Algebra' by Kenneth Hoffman and Ray Kunze.

 

[matqkks]

A book you can follow without an instructor is 'Elementary Linear Algebra' by Anton and Rorres.

 

[mathwonk]

hoffman and kunze is to me the standard for good thorough books on this subject. but it is pricey new, for that reason.

heres a used one:

Linear Algebra 1e 5pr 1965
Hoffman & Kunze
Bookseller: TextSearch, International (We Recycle!)
(DeKalb, IL, U.S.A.)
Bookseller Rating:
Price: US$ 22.24
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Quantity: 1 Shipping within U.S.A.:
US$ 5.00
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Book Description: PH, ^^ in Stock: we Ship at Once fr. IL USA;, 1961. Book Condition: A Used, But Clean Copy;. Dust Jacket Condition: in So So Dust Jacket; 332 clean pages; owner's name (JParr) 2x; eligible for Flat Rate Priority Mail. Binding is Hard Cover and Tight Binding;. Bookseller Inventory # 010938