Linear Algebra: Algorithms, Applications, and Techniques

by Richard Bronson

In this appealing and well-written text, Richard Bronson gives readers a substructure for a firm understanding of the abstract concepts of linear algebra and its applications. The author starts with the concrete and computational, and leads the reader to a choice of major applications (Markov chains, least-squares approximation, and solution of differential equations using Jordan normal form).

The first three chapters address the matrices, vector spaces, and linear transformations. The next three cover eigenvalues, Euclidean inner products, and Jordan canonical forms, offering possibilities that can be tailored to the instructor's taste and to the length of the course. Bronson's approach to computation is modern and algorithmic, and his theory is clean and straightforward. Throughout, the views of the theory presented are broad and balanced. Key material is highlighted in the text and summarized at the end of each chapter. The book also includes ample exercises with answers and hints. With its inclusion of all the needed features, this text will be a pleasure for professionals, teachers, and students.

- Introduces deductive reasoning and helps the reader develop a facility with mathematical proofs
- Gives computational algorithms for finding eigenvalues and eigenvectors
- Provides a balanced approach to computation and theory
- Superb motivation and writing
- Excellent exercise sets, ranging from drill to theoretical/challeging
- Useful and interesting applications not found in other introductory linear algebra texts

826 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Richard Bronson is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Fairleigh Dickinson University where he served as Chair of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Acting Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, Interim Provost of the Metropolitan Campus, Director of Government Affairs, and Senior Executive Assistant to the President.

Antispin is his first novel. He also wrote eleven books in mathematics, some in their third edition with many translated into multiple languages. He has published children’s poetry in magazines, including Highlights for Children, and was on the editorial staff of the professional publications Simulation Magazine and SIAM News and the children’s magazine, Kids Club.

In 1994, Richard Bronson was awarded the Distinguished College or University Teaching award by the New Jersey Section of Mathematical Association of America. He also received the Fairleigh Dickinson University Distinguished Faculty Award for Research & Scholarship, the Distinguished Faculty Award for Service, and the University College Outstanding Teacher Award.