Elements Of Linear Algebra And Matrix Theory

Intended for a serious first course or a second course, this textbook will carry students beyond eigenvalues and eigenvectors to the classification of bilinear forms, to normal matrices, to spectral decompositions, and to the Jordan form. The authors approach their subject in a comprehensive and accessible manner, presenting notation and terminology clearly and concisely, and providing smooth transitions between topics. The examples and exercises are well designed and will aid diligent students in understanding both computational and theoretical aspects. In all, the straightest, smoothest path to the heart of linear algebra. * Special Features: * Provides complete coverage of central material. * Presents clear and direct explanations. * Includes classroom tested material. * Bridges the gap from lower division to upper division work. * Allows instructors alternatives for introductory or second-level courses.

This set of notes is an activity-oriented introduction to linear and multilinear algebra. The great majority of the most elementary results in these subjects are straightforward and can be verified by the thoughtful student. Indeed, that is the main point of these notes — to convince the beginner that the subject is accessible. In the material that follows there are numerous indicators that suggest activity on the part of the reader: words such as 'proposition', 'example', 'theorem', 'exercise', and 'corollary', if not followed by a proof (and proofs here are very rare) or a reference to a proof, are invitations to verify the assertions made.These notes are intended to accompany an (academic) year-long course at the advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level. (With judicious pruning most of the material can be covered in a two-term sequence.) The text is also suitable for a lecture-style class, the instructor proving some of the results while leaving others as exercises for the students.This book has tried to keep the facts about vector spaces and those about inner product spaces separate. Many beginning linear algebra texts conflate the material on these two vastly different subjects.

Linear algebra and matrix theory are essentially synonymous terms for an area of mathematics that has become one of the most useful and pervasive tools in a wide range of disciplines. It is also a subject of great mathematical beauty. In consequence of both of these facts, linear algebra has increasingly been brought into lower levels of the curriculum, either in conjunction with the calculus or separate from it but at the same level. A large and still growing number of textbooks has been written to satisfy this need, aimed at students at the junior, sophomore, or even freshman levels. Thus, most students now obtaining a bachelor's degree in the sciences or engineering have had some exposure to linear algebra. But rarely, even when solid courses are taken at the junior or senior levels, do these students have an adequate working knowledge of the subject to be useful in graduate work or in research and development activities in government and industry. In particular, most elementary courses stop at the point of canonical forms, so that while the student may have "seen" the Jordan and other canonical forms, there is usually little appreciation of their usefulness. And there is almost never time in the elementary courses to deal with more specialized topics like nonnegative matrices, inertia theorems, and so on. In consequence, many graduate courses in mathematics, applied mathe matics, or applications develop certain parts of matrix theory as needed.

This is a book on linear algebra and matrix theory. While it is self contained, it will work best for those who have already had some exposure to linear algebra. It is also assumed that the reader has had calculus. Some optional topics require more analysis than this, however. I think that the subject of linear algebra is likely the most significant topic discussed in undergraduate mathematics courses. Part of the reason for this is its usefulness in unifying so many different topics. Linear algebra is essential in analysis, applied math, and even in theoretical mathematics. This is the point of view of this book, more than a presentation of linear algebra for its own sake. This is why there are numerous applications, some fairly unusual.