Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction (with CD-ROM)

by David Poole

David Poole's innovative book emphasizes vectors and geometric intuition from the start and better prepares students to make the transition from the computational aspects of the course to the theoretical. Poole covers vectors and vector geometry first to enable students to visualize the mathematics while they are doing matrix operations. With a concrete understanding of vector geometry, students are able to visualize and understand the meaning of the calculations that they will encounter. By seeing the mathematics and understanding the underlying geometry, students develop mathematical maturity and can think abstractly when they reach vector spaces. Throughout the text, Poole's direct conversational writing style connects with students, and an abundant selection of applications from a broad range of disciplines clearly demonstrates the relevance of linear algebra.

Genres: Mathematics, Textbooks, Science, Nonfiction, Reference, Computer Science, Algebra

712 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2002

About the author

David Poole is Professor of Mathematics at Trent University, where he has been a faculty member since 1984.

Reviews

[Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first linear algebra book, this was the textbook used for my Maths course in university. Overall, had a good time with this one, had a good balance of theory and application (though I didn't care for applications all that much).

C1 - Vectors, nothing much to add onto what I already know
C2 - Systems of Linear Equations, again nothing new, but it did solidify my understanding of RREF and Gauss-Jordan
C3 - Matrices, fun chapter for proofs. Nothing new though
C4 - Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, pretty interesting especially with all the theory behind it.
C5 - Orthogonality, interesting and quite short.
C6 - Vector Spaces, probably my favourite one, this generalises vector operations to not just vectors, but also matrices and functions.
C7 - Distance and Approximation, I like the first half about norms and inner products, even more generalisation of what we already know. The second half is more on applications so it fell a bit flat but I still like least-squares.

[Joseph Yue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is easily the best STEM textbook I've ever read. The texts are actually written by humans who speak English, rather than by some minimally embodied intellects, as in the case of so many other STEM textbooks. But there are more positive traits: not only are there side notes on the etymology of certain mathematical terms, but there are also brief introductions of famous mathematicians who discovered the theorem or property being discussed. As for hard content, this book is very systematic and well organised. The level of knowledge is a bit too basic, and it never really goes very advanced even by the end, but it nevertheless provides an adequate mathematical foundation for one to have a deeper comprehension of the principles of relevant areas in physics. A useful tool to have at hand.

[Myles Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was terrible at this class but this helped me a little bit so yeah. Actually explains things too. Good textbook.

[Peter Manas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive explanations accompanied by plenty of examples and proofs. The exercises are a great way to practice but there are answers only to odd problems (for teaching purposes), so one often has to look elsewhere if they want to check their solutions.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent for a textbook.

[Carson Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a horrible linear algebra teacher so this book taught me everything I needed to know. Was it perfect? No, but it was comprehensive and I think an excellent source for learning linear algebra.