Looking for a Beginner-Friendly Linear Algebra Textbook?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for beginner-friendly linear algebra textbooks. Participants share their experiences and preferences regarding various texts suitable for someone with a background in multivariable calculus and differential equations, but who may not have formal training in linear algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests "Introduction to Vectors and Tensors, Vol. 1, Linear and Multilinear Algebra" by Ray M. Bowen and C.-C. Wang, but expresses concern that it may be too advanced.
  • Another participant proposes "Linear Algebra: An Introduction" by Richard Bronson and "Linear Algebra" by Jim Hefferon, noting their similarity and mentioning the availability of free online texts.
  • A suggestion is made for "Linear Algebra Done Right" by Axler, which is noted for its unique approach.
  • One participant mentions the Schaum's outline series as a helpful resource.
  • "Linear Algebra and its Applications" by Gilbert Strang is recommended, although one participant finds it challenging to the point of being difficult to follow.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with "Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction" by David Poole, highlighting its good reviews and the availability of a solution manual.
  • Another participant points out that there are video lectures based on Strang's book available on MIT OCW.
  • One post lists various books categorized by difficulty, including "Elementary Linear Algebra" by Paul C Shields as a low-cost option.
  • Participants mention "Linear Algebra" by Kenneth Hoffman and Ray Kunze as a thorough standard text, though it is noted to be pricey.
  • Another recommendation is "Elementary Linear Algebra" by Anton and Rorres, which is suggested as being easy to follow without an instructor.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a variety of opinions on the suitability and difficulty of different textbooks, indicating that there is no consensus on a single best choice. Some participants find certain texts too advanced, while others recommend them based on their own experiences.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their own abilities in relation to the recommended texts, and there are varying opinions on the accessibility and rigor of the books mentioned. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and preferences without resolving which book is definitively the best for beginners.

silver-rose
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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 :)
 
Last edited:
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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..
 
You might be interested in Linear Algebra Done Right, Axler.
 
Linear Algebra and its Applications
Gilbert Strang
 
dx said:
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.
 
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.
 
dx said:
Linear Algebra and its Applications
Gilbert Strang

There are video lectures based on that book on MIT OCW. o_O
 
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
[Convert Currency]
Quantity: 2 Shipping within U.S.A.:
US$ 3.95
[Rates & Speeds]
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
 
  • #10
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
 
  • #11
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).
 
  • #12
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #13
What about 'Linear Algebra' by Kenneth Hoffman and Ray Kunze.
 
  • #14
A book you can follow without an instructor is 'Elementary Linear Algebra' by Anton and Rorres.
 
  • #15
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
[Convert Currency]
Quantity: 1 Shipping within U.S.A.:
US$ 5.00
[Rates & Speeds]
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
 

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