Prerequisites and Resources to learn Matrices

[kieth89]

Could anyone let me know of a good resource that I could use to learn matrix mathematics? I'm not sure if that is the proper term for that segment of mathematics, but hopefully you get the gist of it. It can be a book or a website, does not matter to me. Also, any suggestions as to what I should study before delving into matrices? They seem to be quite different from things like polynomials at first glance.

Much Appreciated,
Josh

 

[Simon Bridge]

Look for linear algebra resources - I never really got matrixes myself until I had to learn MATLAB ...

These days I'd suggest going online for the basics.
What level are you at?

 

[kieth89]

Look for linear algebra resources - I never really got matrixes myself until I had to learn MATLAB ...

These days I'd suggest going online for the basics.
What level are you at?

As far as matrix math goes I've done dot multiplication and other things among that level, but it's been about 6 months so I'm probably pretty rusty. As far as general math education, I'm pretty high college algebra level/right before calculus (have looked at calculus a little bit, but not much).

 

[Astrum]

As far as matrix math goes I've done dot multiplication and other things among that level, but it's been about 6 months so I'm probably pretty rusty. As far as general math education, I'm pretty high college algebra level/right before calculus (have looked at calculus a little bit, but not much).

Typically you study calculus before linear algebra.

 

[Student100]

Typically you study calculus before linear algebra.

You should be fine without it, however.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0980232716/?tag=pfamazon01-20

This is the book we 'used' for my underwhelming course in intro to LA, it's abit wordy, but that's good for self-study. I think there is also a MIT open course that follows this text, so that might make it even better for self-teaching. The book itself is pretty good.

You might want to get a reference or use a free online book for some examples and more worked problems.

 

[Astrum]

You should be fine without it, however.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0980232716/?tag=pfamazon01-20

This is the book we 'used' for my underwhelming course in intro to LA, it's abit wordy, but that's good for self-study. I think there is also a MIT open course that follows this text, so that might make it even better for self-teaching. The book itself is pretty good.

You might want to get a reference or use a free online book for some examples and more worked problems.

If they're interested in something proof based, I don't think they'd have the mathematical maturity without some experience with higher math.

 

[Student100]

If they're interested in something proof based, I don't think they'd have the mathematical maturity without some experience with higher math.

I wouldn't call calc at that level higher math, but I understand your point.

Still, it isn't required per say, so it's up to them if they want to follow through or not.

 

[SteamKing]

Typically you study calculus before linear algebra.

You can study matrix algebra as soon as you study simultaneous linear equations, which can be in an algebra I or algebra II course in high school. Although you can use matrices and vectors in calculus, calculus itself is not a prerequisite for studying these concepts.

Here is a basic introduction to matrices and manipulating them:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/matrix-introduction.html

 

[Simon Bridge]

As far as matrix math goes I've done dot multiplication and other things among that level, but it's been about 6 months so I'm probably pretty rusty. As far as general math education, I'm pretty high college algebra level/right before calculus (have looked at calculus a little bit, but not much).

Sounds like you just need a refresher then ... the links above should be fine.

 

[kieth89]

I think I know where I need to go/what I need to look at next. Thank you all for the help!