A Course in Linear Algebra with Applications

Book excerpt: This is the second edition of the best-selling introduction to linear algebra. Presupposing no knowledge beyond calculus, it provides a thorough treatment of all the basic concepts, such as vector space, linear transformation and inner product. The concept of a quotient space is introduced and related to solutions of linear system of equations, and a simplified treatment of Jordan normal form is given. Numerous applications of linear algebra are described, including systems of linear recurrence relations, systems of linear differential equations, Markov processes, and the Method of Least Squares. An entirely new chapter on linear programing introduces the reader to the simplex algorithm with emphasis on understanding the theory behind it. The book is addressed to students who wish to learn linear algebra, as well as to professionals who need to use the methods of the subject in their own fields.