Linear Algebra for Dummies - Paperback

by Mary Jane Sterling (Author)

An easy-to-follow guide to practical, real-world applications of linear algebra

Linear algebra is a branch of mathematics that uses matrices to solve systems of linear equations; it has applications in many disciplines, from sociology and game theory to computer programming, engineering, and business. Linear Algebra For Dummies maps to a typical, college-level linear algebra course, in which students first study matrices and matrix operations, then apply those fundamentals to abstract topics such as vector spaces, linear transformations, determinants, and, finally, eigenvalues and eigenvectors. It gives students theoretical and practical ways of approaching various types of problems, presenting the information in a way that allows readers to fully digest not just the how of solving linear algebraic problems, but also the why.

Front Jacket

Learn to:

• Solve linear algebra equations in several ways
• Put data in order with matrices
• Determine values with determinants
• Work with eigenvalues and eigenvectors

Your hands-on guide to real-world applications of linear algebra

Does linear algebra leave you feeling lost? No worries --this easy-to-follow guide explains the how and the why of solving linear algebra problems in plain English. From matrices to vector spaces to linear transformations, you'll understand the key concepts and see how they relate to everything from genetics to nutrition to spotted owl extinction.

• Line up the basics -- discover several different approaches to organizing numbers and equations, and solve systems of equations algebraically or with matrices
• Relate vectors and linear transformations -- link vectors and matrices with linear combinations and seek solutions of homogeneous systems
• Evaluate determinants -- see how to perform the determinant function on different sizes of matrices and take advantage of Cramer's rule
• Hone your skills with vector spaces -- determine the properties of vector spaces and their subspaces and see linear transformation in action
• Tackle eigenvalues and eigenvectors -- define and solve for eigenvalues and eigenvectors and understand how they interact with specific matrices

Open the book and find:

• Theoretical and practical ways of solving linear algebra problems
• Definitions of terms throughout and in the glossary
• New ways of looking at operations
• How linear algebra ties together vectors, matrices, determinants, and linear transformations
• Ten common mathematical representations of Greek letters
• Real-world applications of matrices and determinants

Author Biography

Mary Jane Sterling is the author of numerous For Dummies books. She is a lecturer at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, where she has taught courses in algebra, calculus, and other mathematics topics for almost 30 years.