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Elements of Linear Algebra
This volume presents a thorough discussion of systems of linear equations and their solutions. Vectors and matrices are introduced as required and an account of determinants is given. Great emphasis has been placed on keeping the presentation as simple as possible, with many illustrative examples. While all mathematical assertions are proved, the student is led to view the mathematical content intuitively, as an aid to understanding.
The text treats the coordinate geometry of lines, planes and quadrics, provides a natural application for linear algebra and at the same time furnished a geometrical interpretation to illustrate the algebraic concepts.
The text treats the coordinate geometry of lines, planes and quadrics, provides a natural application for linear algebra and at the same time furnished a geometrical interpretation to illustrate the algebraic concepts.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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June 10, 2023
I had developed a significant hatred and vendetta against linear algebra thanks to this book - and it took me far too long to realise that it wasn't linear algebra itself that was horrible, but the book itself.
This is perhaps the worst linear algebra, if not maths, textbook you could read. Cohn does not explain a single thing about linear algebra throughout the book and just casually chucks random words at you and expects you to understand it, even though none of it will make sense to anyone.
I am inclined to also believe that Cohn never had an editor or anyone read through his book prior to publishing - not only is the writing sloppy, the amount of mistakes throughout the book is absolutely ludicrous.
I cannot describe in words how frustrating this textbook is. There seem to be (hopefully) plenty remarkable books in this textbook series and so I am aghast at the fact that such a depressingly awful book is in such a series.
Perhaps my favourite thing is his insertion of the most obscure words, without definition, or suddenly introducing a random topic with 0 context or relevance to the chapter itself, and waffling about it for a solid twenty pages. And repeat, and repeat, and repeat.
It disturbs me to think that other budding mathematicians would pick this up and think it'll be a good textbook. Please don't bother. It'll make you hate a surprisingly beautiful field that will only be tarnished by this textbook.
-1000000000000/10. Never reading again. Not even worth donating to the local Oxfam!
This is perhaps the worst linear algebra, if not maths, textbook you could read. Cohn does not explain a single thing about linear algebra throughout the book and just casually chucks random words at you and expects you to understand it, even though none of it will make sense to anyone.
I am inclined to also believe that Cohn never had an editor or anyone read through his book prior to publishing - not only is the writing sloppy, the amount of mistakes throughout the book is absolutely ludicrous.
I cannot describe in words how frustrating this textbook is. There seem to be (hopefully) plenty remarkable books in this textbook series and so I am aghast at the fact that such a depressingly awful book is in such a series.
Perhaps my favourite thing is his insertion of the most obscure words, without definition, or suddenly introducing a random topic with 0 context or relevance to the chapter itself, and waffling about it for a solid twenty pages. And repeat, and repeat, and repeat.
It disturbs me to think that other budding mathematicians would pick this up and think it'll be a good textbook. Please don't bother. It'll make you hate a surprisingly beautiful field that will only be tarnished by this textbook.
-1000000000000/10. Never reading again. Not even worth donating to the local Oxfam!
Displaying 1 of 1 review