Algebras

Linear Algebra and Its Applications 3rd Edition

4 stars (Lay does a nice job.) - As other reviews have mentioned, Lay does a fine job of presenting topics that should be covered in a one semester Linear Algebra course. The text is easy to read and laid out nicely. Lay also does a nice job in balancing applications and concepts. The exercises apply to the section they are in, and do a nice job introducing students to simple proofs. As another reviewer has mentioned, the invertible matrix theorem is never summarized and is instead scattered throughout the book. This makes the text less useful when a student wishes to refer to it for reference later in life. The answers in the back of the text often refer a student to the study guide instead of giving an answer. Some may see this as an advantage, I saw it as an annoyance. There is also a major error with how vector spaces are defined (the additive identity element is not defined correctly). Finally, although this text will suffice for math majors, but math students may want a more involved text. Many of the proofs for theorems could, and I believe should be left as exercises for students majoring in mathematics. In conclusion, Lay's text will do a fine job as a self study text or a compliment to any linear algebra course, especially a course for non-math majors. 4 stars (Nice Introduction to Linear Algebra) - Many people may say what they want about this book. They will say that it was confusing or it presented proofs that could have been presented better. I have used this book extensively and have read it and done problems in it. The problems range from easy to very difficult. This book tends to be proof-oriented and problems within the text require students to construct logical arguments demonstrating some nontrivial fact (a proof). The author is condescending at times, placing the usual phrases like "it is eacy to see" within the text. My main problem with the text would have to be lack of depth in the explanations. Lay is purely abstract for th...
Addison Wesley :: Mathematics & Algebra & General :: Science&Mathematics :: Mathematics :: Algebras :: Linear :: Algebra - Linear :: Algebra - General :: David C Lay :: :: Linear Algebra and Its Applications (3rd Edition)