Linear Algebra with Applications

by Otto Bretscher

KEY BENEFIT : This trusted reference offers an intellectually honest, thought-provoking, sound introduction to linear algebra. Enables readers to grasp the subject with a challenging, yet visually accessible approach that does not sacrifice mathematical integrity. Adds over 400 new exercises to the problem sets, ranging in difficulty from elementary to more challenging. Adds new historical problems taken from ancient Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and early European sources. Strengthens geometric and conceptual emphasis. A comprehensive, thorough reference for anyone who needs to brush up on their knowledge of linear algebra.

Genres: Textbooks, Mathematics, Reference, Nonfiction, School

469 pages, Hardcover

First published December 30, 1996

Reviews

[Daniel Rivera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read it in it’s entirety, but the majority of it relevant to my linear algebra course, MAT188. It was pretty helpful, but these concepts are very difficult to understand from reading. It took at least 3 times reading the same chapter before having a mild understanding. In the end it’s not the books fault I got 60% on my linear algebra midterm. It is difficult if it’s the first time you’ve ever seen this content.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional read. Every page was a tearjerker

[Matthew Palmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not good at explaining more abstract concepts. Feels very disorganized.

[Arshan Rafid · Rating 2 out of 5]

with every flip of the page, i had tears flowing. from how useless ts is bruh, it doesn't explain the concepts that well and the exercises (which there are a lot of) don't even have the answers written at the back because they're "too theoretical". I read the 5th ed for reference. this book barely makes sense even after like 5 reads of a page

[Trolllenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

i felt the tears falling down my face, splattering my notes with an unknown wetness, as i found the puzzle pieces of the essence of mathematics being brought together in front of my eyes, only to shatter the moment the final exam came upon me. the success of this book shall be determined when the sloth like tas finally grade my mat188 exam i hope i passed

[Nathan H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

MATH 217 was a great class

[Raina Saini · Rating 5 out of 5]

nothing short of riveting

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

ჯაფარიძე დაიწვას ჩემი ცოდვით.

[Darin · Rating 2 out of 5]

For me, the best part of this book is the exercises since many are very applied. Some of those that are not applied still force the student to think. I'm not fond of the order of the topics and the author has a bad habit of using a topic before officially introducing it. For example, the section on matrix multiplication is two sections beyond a section that uses matrix multiplication.

Note that I believe (and follow) the meanings Goodreads gives for what each number of stars means. Therefore, the majority of my ratings are 3 stars ("liked it").

[Paithan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bias alert: I helped a bit get this book ready for publication. And now, with that bias...

I enjoyed teaching with the earlier editions of this book, and should I ever teach my own linear algebra course, I will certainly use the current version. Especially having recently helped teach from other lin. alg. texts, I find the clarity in this book to be simply outstanding. Perhaps it simply fits my style, but I long to teach from this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the clearest and most concise math textbooks I've ever read. I wasn't expecting to enjoy linear algebra nearly as much as I did, but this book made me appreciate the fascinating conceptual work in the field and was a fairly engaging read. I read a math textbook cover to cover and didn't hate it by the end, so that's quite a victory!
The book included very little history, which is always appreciated, and most of the analogies were reasonable.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a strong disliking of linear algebra... this book isn't the best, but it really helped me get through a class. For that I will always be thankful to it. I highly recommend picking up the solutions manual as well (there was rumor in class of some people having an instructor's edition, but I never found it).

[Nina]

This book, more specifically the class for which it was used, was what made me become a math major. 'Nuff said. Fabulous layout of LinAl.

[Frank Palardy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Textbook

[Muhammad]

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