Elementary Linear Algebra (MindTap Course List)

I really like the layout and presentation of subject matter in this textbook. If you want to self-teach, I can't think of a better companion text. Everything is clearly laid out in detail. It is oriented towards college sophomore and juniors who are also students of engineering or computer science. Knowledge of calculus is not required, although there are a couple of examples that use calculus that are clearly labeled and can be omitted without loss of continuity. There are theorems and proofs included, but this is very much an applied example-driven book. There is an abundance of diagrams and figures illustrating every point and example. There is currently a sixth edition, but if you can convince your instructor, go for this edition. I've seen the sixth edition and it offers no better a presentation than this one. Has matrix algebra somehow changed in the last five years? I don't think so. The following is the table of contents: 1. Systems of Linear Equations 2. Matrices 3. Determinants 4. Vector Spaces 5. Inner Product Spaces 6. Linear Transformations 7. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors 8. Complex Vector Spaces The book has something extra special - every chapter has a section that shows how the material just presented figures into the solution of an actual problem. The following is the list of applications for each chapter: 1. Applications of Systems of Linear Equations a. Polynomial Curve Fitting b. Network Analysis 2. Applications of Matrix Operations a. Stochastic Matrices b. Crypotography c. Leontief Input-Output Models d. Least Squares Regression Analysis 3. Applications of Determinants a. The adjoint of a matrix b. Cramer's Rule c. Area, Volume, and Equations of lines and planes 4. Applications of Vector spaces a. Linear Differential Equations b. Conic sections and rotation 5. Applications of inner product spaces a. The cross product of two vectors in space b. Least squares approximations c. Fourier approximations 6. Applications of Linear Transformations a. Geometry of linear transformations in the plane. b. Computer graphics 7. Applications of eigenvectors and eigenvalues a. Population growth b. Systems of differential equations c. Quadratic equations Each of the first seven chapters also has two projects each which range from the very simple to the involved.

i was a math major at University of Georgia (i have graduated since then) and took intro to linear algebra several times. (okay it's not THAT funny.) it was a different teacher and a different book every time. which made it very easy for me to compare. this book was so much more organized and explained things so much better so that not only did i pass the class, i actually made an A. strongly recommended for all that is interested in the subject, or taking this class but having difficulties. this book will help you understand.

It is what it is and Larson does it well.

Book looks great. In great condition. And arrived on time!

The one I received was in mint condition. I found this book essential for my class. The book reads well, the theorems are helpful, and it has a clean, clear format. My compliments to the author and editors!

I was a little concerned because it was the older DVD version for the 3rd Edition Book but the titles and material match up perfectly with my 4th Edition Calc Early Transcendental Functions. The examples are really usefull and even ocationally work my actual homework problems which is pretty nice.

The book arrived in a perfect condition. It is very nicely worded and one could study directly from the book without attending the lectures.

IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THE WEBASSIGN SOFTWARE FOR HOMEWORK/QUIZZES/ETC. There IS a link to a free site for examples/practice/etc but it's not the software for graded material that your instructor will use. Check with your professor if you'll need Webassign. If so, it's a SEPARATE purchase (about $115) from the book. It DOES come with an E-book version of the textbook.

8th edition. Larson sets a rythm right from the start that just moves you forward. theory is presented with very clear explanations and perfect examples. the overall book is concise and so should be read carefully while paying attention to everything he mentions. i feel he has continued to improve the book in each edition to the level of conciseness and clarity that is the 8th edition. i was also very pleased with the layout and formatting as done in this edition against previous editions. my suggestion is to do multiple reads because we may not be as gifted as the author who makes everything appear so easy. i made myself slow down to write out the most important things i read --- that's when they really got drilled in. and don't be afraid of doing the proofs, just follow his examples. you will move most ahead effortlessly here without struggling. i put larson's book ahead of a few others including Strang.

Great condition and arrived for when I needed it.

This is not the best textbook, some part are so-so but plenty of other better books out there. I have a used copy if anybody is looking to buy.