Similar book to Kleppner's Quick Caculus for linear algebra

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable book for a quick refresher on linear algebra, particularly in the context of studying quantum mechanics. Participants are seeking recommendations that align with the style of Kleppner's "Quick Calculus," focusing on accessibility and clarity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for a gentle and quick refresher on linear algebra, similar to Kleppner's "Quick Calculus."
  • Another participant suggests Boas' book on mathematical methods, noting that while it covers more than linear algebra, the relevant sections are well done.
  • Several participants mention additional resources, including links to books and free online materials, emphasizing their usefulness for applications in quantum mechanics.
  • Some participants express disagreement regarding the quality of Boas' chapter on linear algebra, with one asserting it is fine and another suggesting it may not be sufficient for following Griffiths' quantum mechanics book.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for a refresher that starts from the basics and progresses to concepts necessary for quantum mechanics, contrasting this with the suggestion of using secondary texts.
  • There are discussions about the adequacy of Boas' chapter in preparing for Griffiths' quantum mechanics book, with varying opinions on its sufficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the adequacy of Boas' chapter on linear algebra, with some asserting it is sufficient for quantum mechanics while others disagree. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for a quick refresher that meets the original request.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of focusing on specific concepts like vector spaces and linear transformations, but there is no consensus on which resources best meet the needs of someone seeking a quick refresher.

almarpa
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So anyone of you know a book that provides a gentle and quick refresher for linear algera, in the spirit of the book "Quick Calculus" by Kleppner and Ramsey?

Now that I am studying quantum mechanics, I feel I need to review the linear algebra I studied during my engineering degree.

Thanks.
 
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Boas' book on mathematical methods. Sure, it covers a lot more than linear algebra, but what it covers of linear algebra is really well done.
 
micromass said:
Boas' book on mathematical methods. Sure, it covers a lot more than linear algebra, but what it covers of linear algebra is really well done.
That's probably the only chapter I would not read from that book though See here
almarpa said:
So anyone of you know a book that provides a gentle and quick refresher for linear algera, in the spirit of the book "Quick Calculus" by Kleppner and Ramsey?

Now that I am studying quantum mechanics, I feel I need to review the linear algebra I studied during my engineering degree.

Thanks.

Not sure about quick but the following are really good book to learn Linear Algebra from for application to QM.
1. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/3319110799/?tag=pfamazon01-20
2. https://www.math.brown.edu/~treil/papers/LADW/LADW.html

Another short book on Linear Algebra that I really like is
https://www.amazon.com/dp/9814723770/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The book is available for free here
https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/~anne/linear_algebra/

And don't forget to check out this strange little book for Linear Algebra - although this should not be used as a main book , it has excellent insight that will make your concepts solid.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HLW5V9U/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The author has a fantastic linear algebra course that you can take for free on your own time
https://www.lem.ma/web/#/books/VBS92YDYuscc5-lK/landing
 
Last edited by a moderator:
smodak said:
That's probably the only chapter I would not read from that book though See here

I do not agree with that post. Boas' chapter is fine.
 
micromass said:
I do not agree with that post. Boas' chapter is fine.

Indeed, and she does mention vector spaces.
 
That said, I do recommend the OP to study somewhat formally vector spaces, inner product spaces, linear transformations and dual spaces. But the OP wanted a quick and gentle refresher of engineering linear algebra, so that's what I tried to answer.
 
Well, I actually need a refresher of linear algebra that goes quickly and straight to the point, starting from the very basics, and reaching to the concepts required for quantum mechanics. That is why I mentioned, as an example, Kleppner's book on calculus (brief, very good on explanations, and focused on the calculus needed to follow a typical course on classical mechanics).

The authors of some of the mentioned books claim they should be second books on the subject. I do not want that.

Regards.
 
Again Boas is fine for that.
 
OK.

Is Boas' chapter on LA enough to be able to follow Griffiths' quantum mechanics book?

Regards.
 
  • #10
almarpa said:
OK.

Is Boas' chapter on LA enough to be able to follow Griffiths' quantum mechanics book?

Regards.

No, but she covers everything else in other chapters. First few sections of chapter six cover useful information found in a LA text, as do chapters 10, 12 and 15.
 
  • #11
almarpa said:
OK.

Is Boas' chapter on LA enough to be able to follow Griffiths' quantum mechanics book?

Regards.

You could go through Boas' chapter on LA and then start Griffiths. Whenever you're stuck in Griffiths, you can then refer back to Boas and read the relevant parts of where you're stuck.
 

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