From the Publisher
This book avoids the traditional definition-theorem-proof format; instead a fresh approach introduces a variety of problems and examples all in a clear and informal style. The in-depth focus on applications separates this book from others, and helps students to see how linear algebra can be applied to real-life situations. Some of the more contemporary topics of applied linear algebra are included here which are not normally found in undergraduate textbooks. Theoretical developments are always accompanied with detailed examples, and each section ends with a number of exercises from which students can gain further insight. Moreover, the inclusion of historical information provides personal insights into the mathematicians who developed this subject. The textbook contains numerous examples and exercises, historical notes, and comments on numerical performance and the possible pitfalls of algorithms. Solutions to all of the exercises are provided, as well as a CD-ROM containing a searchable copy of the textbook.
Booknews
In this text, Meyer (mathematics, North Carolina State U.) circumvents the traditional definition-theorem-proof format by focusing on applications. He includes some of the more contemporary topics of applied linear algebra, uses modern concepts and notation, and accompanies theoretical developments with examples. The eight chapters cover linear equations, rectangular systems and echelon forms, matrix algebra, vector spaces, determinants, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Perron-Frobenius theory, and norms, inner products, and orthogonality. The included CD-ROM contains a searchable copy of the entire textbook and all solutions, as well as detailed information on topics mentioned in examples, references, thumbnail sketches and photographs of mathematicians, and a history of linear algebra and computing. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
What People Are Saying
Walter Gander
I like the book: the theory is sound, numerical performance and
possible pitfalls of the algorithms are well discussed, and it
contains interesting historical remarks.(Walter Gander, Chairman, Computer Science Department, ETH Zurich)
This book combines the best of what you look for
in a reference and a textbook. It is comprehensive and detailed but
with so many great problems and examples that it is guaranteed to
excite the undergraduate reader. I enjoyed the book throughout, but
found the treatment of the FFT to be particularly original and
effective.(Charles Van Loan, Professor and Chair, Department of
Computer Science, Cornell University)
MIchele Benzi
Carl Meyer's book is an outstanding addition to the vast literature
in this area. Its most distinctive feature is a seamless integration
of the theoretical, computational, and applied aspects of the subject,
which stems from the author's extensive experience in both teaching
and research. The author's clear and elegant expository style is
enlivened by a generous sprinkling of historical notes and aptly
chosen quotations from famous mathematicians, making this book a
delight to read. If this textbook will not succeed in awakening your
students' interest in matrices and their uses, nothing else will. (Michele Benzi, Los Alamos National Laboratory.)
IIse Ipsen
The book covers an impressive range of material. It contains a number
of topics not found in similar books. Professor Meyer takes great care
in explaining abstract concepts. (Ilse Ipsen, Professor, North Carolina State University)
Gregory Nusz
In studying for the final exam, I was able to solidify much of what
we'd gone over during the semester by reading over the text and doing
the problems. However, this time through, I gained a lot more respect
for the textbook. I didn't notice at the time, but the way the earlier
problems foreshadowed techniques yet to come really helped me get
everything to click into place. I am sincerely impressed with how much
I learned. (Gregory Nusz, Caldwell Scholar, North Carolina State University)
I will say that I really enjoy the prose. It is a rare combination
when the enthusiasm shines through, focused by erudition. (Cleve Ashcraft, Livermore Software Technology Corporation)
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