Elementary Linear Algebra

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 Equations2. Matrices3. Determinants4. Vector Spaces5. Inner Product Spaces6. Linear Transformations7. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors8. Complex Vector SpacesThe 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 Equationsa. Polynomial Curve Fittingb. Network Analysis2. Applications of Matrix Operationsa. Stochastic Matricesb. Crypotographyc. Leontief Input-Output Modelsd. Least Squares Regression Analysis3. Applications of Determinantsa. The adjoint of a matrixb. Cramer's Rulec. Area, Volume, and Equations of lines and planes4. Applications of Vector spacesa. Linear Differential Equationsb. Conic sections and rotation5. Applications of inner product spacesa. The cross product of two vectors in spaceb. Least squares approximationsc. Fourier approximations6. Applications of Linear Transformationsa. Geometry of linear transformations in the plane.b. Computer graphics7. Applications of eigenvectors and eigenvaluesa. Population growthb. Systems of differential equationsc. Quadratic equationsEach of the first seven chapters also has two projects each which range from the very simple to the involved.

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

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 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.

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 ordered this book for my class which I am currently taken. My professor stated that "this was one of the best linear algebra books out there." I am on my second day of the course so I do not know for myself how good it is. The book was in rougher shape than I expected.

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 is complete in every page, and it seems like very new inside of the book. But it's a little incomplete outside of this book.

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.