Essential Linear Algebra with Applications - by Titu Andreescu

Book Synopsis

Rooted in a pedagogically successful problem-solving approach to linear algebra, the present work fills a gap in the literature that is sharply divided between elementary texts and books that are too advanced to appeal to a wide audience. It clearly develops the theoretical foundations of vector spaces, linear equations, matrix algebra, eigenvectors, and orthogonality, while simultaneously emphasizing applications and connections to fields such as biology, economics, computer graphics, electrical engineering, cryptography, and political science.

Ideal as an introduction to linear algebra, the extensive exercises and well-chosen applications also make this text suitable for advanced courses at the junior or senior undergraduate level. Furthermore, it can serve as a colorful supplementary problem book, reference, or self-study manual for professional scientists and mathematicians. Complete with bibliography and index, "Essential Linear Algebra with Applications" is a natural bridge between pure and applied mathematics and the natural and social sciences, appropriate for any student or researcher who needs a strong footing in the theory, problem-solving, and model-building that are the subject's hallmark.

From the Back Cover

This textbook provides a rigorous introduction to linear algebra in addition to material suitable for a more advanced course while emphasizing the subject's interactions with other topics in mathematics such as calculus and geometry. A problem-based approach is used to develop the theoretical foundations of vector spaces, linear equations, matrix algebra, eigenvectors, and orthogonality.

Key features include:

- a thorough presentation of the main results in linear algebra along with numerous examples to illustrate the theory;

- over 500 problems (half with complete solutions) carefully selected for their elegance and theoretical significance;

- an interleaved discussion of geometry and linear algebra, giving readers a solid understanding of both topics and the relationship between them.

Numerous exercises and well-chosen examples make this text suitable for advanced courses at the junior or senior levels. It can also serve as a source of supplementary problems for a sophomore-level course.

Review Quotes

"This book gives a rigorous introduction to linear algebra from a mathematical point of view. ... The book presents a 'problem-based' approach, i.e., the author gives the precise theory to permit the reader to solve many different problems. ... The book contains many well-chosen examples and exercises. Also, many problems are completely solved." (Julio Benítez, Mathematical Reviews, June, 2015)

"The present book, as its title indicates, introduces the essential concepts of linear algebra and considers some of its applications. ... the book is very suitable for students who are going to prepare for competitions and Olympiads. Moreover, the solved problems make it a very good problem book, with nice ideas, for anybody working with linear algebra. I recommend this book for students, and also for classroom use by teachers." (Mehdi Hassani, MAA Reviews, April, 2015)

"The present book is a wellcomed addition at the present literature. The approach is elementray, however still rigorous and detailed. It covers the standard topics on linear algebra taught in a two-semester course, from elementray matrix theory to canonical forms and bilinear forms. ... I would be happy to teach linear algebra from this book and ask students to work on problems from it." (A. Arvanitoyeorgos, zbMATH 1309.15001, 2015)

About the Author