Linear Algebra Demystified

Overview

Taught at junior level math courses at every university, Linear Algebra is essential for students in almost every technical and analytic discipline.

Table of contents

PREFACE
Chapter 1: Systems of Linear Equations
Chapter 2: Matrix Algebra
Chapter 3: Determinants
Chapter 4: Vectors
Chapter 5: Vector Spaces
Chapter 6: Inner Product Spaces
Chapter 7: Linear Transformations
Chapter 8: The Eigenvalue Problem
Chapter 9: Special Matrices
Chapter 10: Matrix Decomposition
FINAL EXAM
HINTS AND SOLUTIONS
REFERENCES
INDEX

Biographical note

David McMahon works as a researcher at a National Laboratory, a Department of Energy facility. His research involves work on nuclear fusion and the design of nuclear-powered spacecraft. He has a master's degree in physics and a bachelor's in applied mathematics, both from the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque. He is currently doing research for a doctorate in theoretical physics in the areas of quantum field theory and the use of general relativity. Mr. McMahon is a published author. Previous work includes two books on computer programming: Rapid Application Development with Visual Basic 6 and Rapid Application Development with Visual C ++. He also wrote Quantum Mechanics Demystified, Relativity Demystified, and was a contributing writer to Ace the Technical Interview.

Back cover copy

QUICK and DEPENDABLE review of a typical LINEAR ALGEBRA course
Brings ABSTRACT concepts down to EARTH
Hundreds of SOLVED PROBLEMS show you how to get answers, step by step
Lots of QUIZZES, test questions, and a "final EXAM"

GET A LINE ON LINEAR ALGEBRA!
Now anyone with an interest in linear algebra can master it -- without formal training, unlimited time, or a genius IQ. In Linear Algebra Demystified, mathematician, physicist, and student-savvy author David McMahon provides an effective, illuminating, and entertaining way to learn the essentials of linear algebra.

With Linear Algebra Demystified, you master the subject one step at a time -- at your own speed. This unique self-teaching guide offers problems at the end of each chapter and section to pinpoint weaknesses, and a 100-question final exam to reinforce the entire book.

This fast and entertaining self-teaching course makes it much easier to:
Conquer linear algebra with step-by-step explanations
Get problem-solving help from hundreds of worked examples
Gain practical mathematical tools for use in engineering, computer science, physics, and other fields
Master eigenvalue and eigenvector problems with examples and clarifying discussions
Find plain-language explanations of complex topics such as vector spaces, linear transformations, inverses, inner product spaces, and matrix decompositions
Review for advanced linear algebra courses with this quick and reliable guide
Take a "final exam" and grade it yourself!

Simple enough for beginners but challenging enough for those who already know something about linear algebra, Linear Algebra Demystified is the best self-teaching tool or brush-up you can find!