Practical Linear Algebra
A Geometry Toolbox

Practical Linear Algebra: A Geometry Toolbox by Gerald Farin, Dianne Hansford
Price: $75.00
Availability: In stock.

Summary

Practical Linear Algebra introduces students in math, science, engineering, and computer science to Linear Algebra from an intuitive and geometric viewpoint, creating a level of understanding that goes far beyond mere matrix manipulations. Practical aspects, such as computer graphics topics and numerical strategies, are covered throughout, and thus students can build a “Geometry Toolbox,” based on a geometric understanding of the key concepts.

This book covers all the standard linear algebra material for a first-year course; the authors teach by motivation, illustration, and example rather than by using a theorem/proof style.

Special Features:

Clear visual representations (more than 200 figures) for improved material comprehension.
Hand-drawn sketches encourage students to create their own sketches when solving problems-developing another layer of learning.
Numerous examples show applications to real-world problems.
Problems at the end of each chapter allow students to test their understanding of the material presented. Solutions to selected problems are provided.
Concise chapter summaries highlight the most important points, giving students focus for their approach to learning.

An instructor’s manual will be available soon.

Details

ISBN: 978-1-56881-234-2
Year: 2004
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 394
Web Site:
http://www.farinhansford.com/books/pla/index.html

Reviews

Internationale Mathematische Nachrichten (PDF)

April 2007

“Das Buch [ist] eine einmalige und wertvolle Ergänzung zur bestehenden reichen Literatur zur Linearen Algebra.”

EMS Newsletter (PDF)

December 2006

“This book covers all the fundamental topics of linear algebra … It is also an inspiring book for pure mathematicians who would like to learn more about applications of linear algebra … a useful source of many nice examples.”

CMS Notes (PDF)

February 2006

“I picked up this book with the thought, ’oh, another linear algebra text.’ I was pleasantly surprised, upon examination, that it is not just another one. The standard linear algebra material is presented with good motivating stories, illustrations and examples.”