INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR ALGEBRA FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2/E

1. Student-friendly language. This text is written in a conversational, effortless tone, creating a truly student-friendly text.

2. Balances theory and computations. An Introduction to Linear Algebra for Science and Engineering introduces students to the theory and computational aspects of linear algebra simultaneously. This ensures that students realize that linear algebra is not just computations. It allows important concepts to be developed and extended slowly and it encourages the use of computational problems to understand the theory rather than the memorization of algorithms.

3. Strong emphasis on geometry. Students are usually familiar with the geometrical interpretation of vectors from high school math and physics. Concepts that are introduced early are done so using geometry to explain and motivate.

4. Applications support theory. This text distributes applications of linear algebra throughout text where relevant (rather than gathering them in a separate section.) Applications are included where the relevant theory is developed keeping the focus on the theory. Applications include:

●Minimum distance from a point to a plane (Section 1.4)
●Area and Volume (Section 1.5, Section 5.4)
●Electrical Circuits (Section 2.4, Section 9.2)
●Planar Trusses (Section 2.4)
●Linear Programming (Section 2.4)
●Magic Squares (Chapter 4 Review)
●Markov Processes (Section 6.3)
●Differential Equations (Section 6.4)
●Curve of Best Fit (Section 7.3)
●Overdetermined Systems (Section 7.3)
●Graphing Quadratic Forms (Section 8.3)
●Small Deformations (Section 8.4)
●The Inertia Tensor (Section 8.4)

5. The problem set at the end of each section includes four types of questions A: practice problems intended to provide a variety and number of standard computational problems, with some theoretical problems, necessary for students to master the techniques of the course. Answers to A-type problems are provided at the back of the text. B: homework problems similar to A problems but without answers in the back of the text. C: problems that require the use of a suitable computer program and help student familiarise themselves with using computer software to solve linear algebra problems. These problems remind students that linear algebra uses real numbers as well as integers and simple fractions. C-type problems are platform-neutral; they can be used with any linear algebra software. D: problems that require students to work with general cases, write simple arguments or invent examples, all of which are important aspects of mastering mathematics ideas that all students should attempt.

6. End-of-chapter Chapter Review. Contains Suggestions for Review, Chapter Quiz, Further Exercises, and aids students in reviewing material presented in each chapter.