Invitation to Linear Algebra

Unlike most books of this type, the book has been organized into “lessons” rather than chapters. This has been done to limit the size of the mathematical morsels that students must digest during each class, and to make it easier for instructors to budget class time. The book contains considerably more material than normally appears in a first course. For example, several advanced topics such as the Jordan canonical form and matrix power series have been included. This was done to make the book more flexible than most books presently available, and to allow instructors to choose enrichment material which may reflect their interests, and those of their students.

Invitation to Linear Algebra is an informative, clearly written, flexible textbook for instructors and students.

Based on over 30 years of experience as a mathematics professor, the author invites students to develop a more informed understanding of complex algebraic concepts using innovative, easy-to-follow methods.

The book is organized into lessons rather than chapters. This limits the size of the mathematical morsels that students must digest, making it easier for instructors to budget class time.

Each definition is carefully explained with detailed proofs of key theorems, including motivation for each step. This makes the book more flexible, allowing instructors to choose material that reflects their and their students’ interests.

A larger than normal amount of exercises illustrate how linear and nonlinear algebra apply in the students’ areas of study.

• The book’s unique lesson format enables students to better understand algebraic concepts
• Students will learn key elements of linear algebra in an enjoyable fashion
• Large number of exercises illustrate the applications of the course material
• Allows instructors to create a course around individual lessons
• Detailed solutions and hints are provided to selected exercises