Book Description

Linear algebra in central to all mathematics. In mathematics, the objects one studies (functions, operations, transformation and so on) are usually either `linear' or can be usefully approximated by linear functions. The methods of linear algebra therefore can be applied to almost all areas of mathematics, and have a very large number of applications in all areas. This book provides a complete account of undergraduate linear algebra, aimed at the level of the second-year undergraduate. The approach is rigorous, but always illustrated with examples, and applications to other areas of mathematics and physics are emphasized. - ;This book covers the basic theory of matrices and vector spaces. The book's three main parts cover (i) matrices, vector spaces, bases and dimension; (ii) inner products bilinear and sesquilinear forms over vector spaces; (iii) linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, and Jordan normal form. An introduction to fields and polynomials over fields is also provided, and examples and applications are provided throughout. The approach throughout is rigorous, but without being unnecessarily abstract. In particular, this book would be suitable reading for a student with no prior exposure to abstract algebra. Although intended as a `second course', the book is completely self-contained and all the material usually given in a `first course' is presented fully in Part One, so the book provides a useful guide to the entire theory of vector spaces as usually studied in an undergraduate degree. Abstract methods are illustrated with concrete examples throughout, and more detailed examples highlight applications of linear algebra to analysis, geometry, differential equations, relativity and quantum mechanics. As such, the book provides a valuable introduction to a wide variety of mathematical methods. -