Essential Linear Algebra with Applications: A Problem-Solving Approach

by Titu Andreescu

Overview

Rooted in a pedagogically successful problem-solving approach to linear algebra, this work fills a gap in the literature that is sharply divided between, on the one end, elementary texts with only limited exercises and examples, and, at the other end, books too advanced in prerequisites and too specialized in focus to appeal to a wide audience. Instead, it clearly develops the theoretical foundations of vector spaces, linear equations, matrix algebra, eigenvectors, and orthogonality, while simultaneously emphasizing applications to fields such as biology, economics, computer graphics, electrical engineering, cryptography, and political science.

Key features:

* Intertwined discussion of linear algebra and geometry

* Example-driven exposition; each section starts with a concise overview of important concepts, followed by a selection of fully-solved problems

* Over 500 problems are carefully selected for instructive appeal, elegance, and theoretical importance; roughly half include complete solutions

* Two or more solutions provided to many of the problems; paired solutions range from step-by-step, elementary methods whose purpose is to strengthen basic comprehension to more sophisticated, powerful proofs to challenge advanced readers

* Appendices with review material on complex variables

Ideal as an introduction to linear algebra, the extensive exercises and well-chosen applications also make this text suitable for advanced courses a

t the junior or senior undergraduate level. It can serve as a colorful supplementary problem book, reference, or self-study manual for professional scientists and mathematicians. Complete with bibliography and index, this work is a natural bridge between pure/ applied mathematics and the natural/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.     

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780817643607
Publisher:	Springer New York
Publication date:	10/15/2014
Edition description:	2014
Pages:	491
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x 0.04(d)

About the Author

Titu Andreescu is an Associate Professor of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Table of Contents

Preface.- Linear Phenomena and Euclidean Spaces of Small Dimension.- Concrete Vector Spaces.- Vector Spaces and Subspaces.- Linear Transformations.- More Matrix Algebra and Determinants.- General Theory of Linear Equations.- Eigenvectors.- Orthogonality.- Forms.- Vector Spaces over Finite Fields.- Appendix A: Complex Numbers.- Appendix B: Polynomials over Complex Numbers.- References.- Index.                                                                                                                                     

Editorial Reviews

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)

From the Publisher