When Life is Linear: From Computer Graphics to Bracketology

Anneli Lax New Mathematical Library

by Tim Chartier

From simulating complex phenomenon on supercomputers to storing the coordinates needed in modern 3D printing, data is a huge and growing part of our world. A major tool to manipulate and study this data is linear algebra. This book introduces concepts of matrix algebra with an emphasis on application, particularly in the fields of computer graphics and data mining. Readers will learn to make an image transparent, compress an image and rotate a 3D wireframe model. In data mining, readers will use linear algebra to read zip codes on envelopes and encrypt sensitive information. The books details methods behind web search, utilized by such companies as Google, and algorithms for sports ranking which have been applied to creating brackets for March Madness and predict outcomes in FIFA World Cup soccer. The book can serve as its own resource or to supplement a course on linear algebra.

Genres: Mathematics

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 10, 2015

Reviews

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this is the first turd in the New Mathematical Library
(now the Annelli Lax New Mathematical Library)

A brilliant series of the New Math 1960s that unfortunately lost steam in the 1970s

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linear systems are generally easy to understand, so they are found in nearly all basic algebra texts. Given the complexity of life it is surprising, often even to mathematicians, that linear equations in the form of matrices can be used to accurately describe many natural phenomena. Chartier describes some of the most common uses for matrices, from computer graphics, to encryption to complex algorithms used by Google to rank pages and finally to filling out a winning NCAA March Madness bracket.
The level of difficulty is not high, a college course in linear algebra is not even necessary for understanding. All that is needed for background is an understanding of more complex linear systems, some trigonometry and the basic operations on matrices. Segments could be pulled out to be as used as supplements for high school courses, college courses in finite mathematics and to answer the standard question, “What will we ever use math for?”
The sections on computer graphics and March Madness are the ones that most readers will best relate to. Nearly all people are familiar with the power of computer graphics from watching movies and and the number of NCAA basketball tournament office pools is enormous. Even someone that does not know matrix algebra should be able to understand the section on the relative ranking of teams.
Math can be fun and it can be useful, a small percentage of people consider it both. With the existence of this book, that percentage will rise.

This book was made available for free for review purposes and this review appears on Amazon.

[Rani Tarmidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. There is only one negative point: the location of the graphics and paragraph that explains it is inconvenient.