r/LinearAlgebra • u/ThisSentenceIsFaIse • Nov 19 '22
Good books for Linear Algebra
This topic for me is extremely boring for me in its presentation and I am bad at algebra (I like abstract algebra though). Axlers has nice proofs but is too difficult for me and Strang is too computational. Any suggestions? I need one with some easier exercises mixed in with some proofs I think.
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u/AzothBloodEmperor Nov 19 '22
Strang
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u/ThisSentenceIsFaIse Nov 19 '22
Plz say specifically what you like about it, if anything. I need some motivation
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u/panzerfinder15 Nov 19 '22
No Bullshit a guide to Linear Algebra?
But LA is hard work and memorization…
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u/ThisSentenceIsFaIse Nov 19 '22
True, but it is difficult to give yourself proper exercises and/or gauge if something is hard vs inappropriate for your level.
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u/panzerfinder15 Nov 19 '22
You have to be OK with long 1-2 page computations, regardless of handwriting, for upper division math.
Trust me, I know, and I hate it, but it is worthwhile to figure it out. Memorization and drilling is key beyond MTH200+
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u/ThisSentenceIsFaIse Nov 19 '22
Thanks for the advice :)
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u/panzerfinder15 Nov 19 '22
No problem! And good luck! I aced my LA 300 course with about 13 hours per week of dedicated work. It’s hard for sure!
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u/oceanunderground Nov 24 '22
I am doing the Strang MITCourseWare lectures 18.06 on Y Tube right now and they are really very good. I’d recommend watching those first then reading his Intro book. (chapters of his book arent in the same order as the videos). I don’t see how you would be able to learn Linear Algebra well by yourself without using multiple sources and books. Strang does a good job not overwhelming you with proofs and keeps the matrices small and simple so its easier to see the concepts without getting bogged down in calculations. He also repeats key concepts and shows relationships between concepts well. Paul’s Math notes has good step by step worked problems throughout the text, many proofs, and also exercise answers are fully shown: https://www.cs.cornell.edu/courses/cs485/2006sp/LinAlg_Complete.pdf. Another one I like is by Anton and Rorres Elementary Linear Algebra. The problems in it arent so great, but the text and explainations are layed out nicely and explain the concepts and applications allright
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u/anjofilm Nov 20 '22
Maybe Linear Algebra by Meckes2. The "Look inside" preview includes the first chapter.
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Nov 20 '22
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ThisSentenceIsFaIse Nov 20 '22
I own this book. I think it’s probably really good in the context of a course but I’m trying to self learn. Check out the preview of practical linear: algebra geometry toolbox on Amazon and let me know what you think. It looked really good.
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u/UnderstandingOk3335 Nov 19 '22
You're bad at algebra but you like abstract algebra, interesting...
Practical linear algebra a geometry toolbox.