$82.49
Author: Singh Kuldeep
Brand: Oxford University Press
Edition: 1
Number Of Pages: 528
Details: From the Author
Why purchase this book?In this age of data explosion, linear algebra has become the most powerful tool in the entire field of mathematics. It has overtaken calculus but university courses do not reflect this. If you want step by step explanations and a book that you can use for self study then this is the book you need to purchase because it provides complete solutions to all the problems. Actually, you can see the complete solutions at the following url:global.oup.com/booksites/content/9780199654444/studentsolutions/You can preview some material at the following url:global.oup.com/booksites/content/9780199654444/9780199654444_chapter7.pdfVideo topics and online testing are heremaths-for-all.co.uk/linear-algebra/
Product Description
Linear algebra is a fundamental area of mathematics, and is arguably the most powerful mathematical tool ever developed. It is a core topic of study within fields as diverse as: business, economics, engineering, physics, computer science, ecology, sociology, demography and genetics.
For an example of linear algebra at work, one needs to look no further than the Google search engine, which relies upon linear algebra to rank the results of a search with respect to relevance.
The strength of the text is in the large number of examples and the step by step explanation of each topic as it is introduced. It is compiled in a way that allows distance learning, with explicit solutions to set problems freely available online. The miscellaneous exercises at the end of each chapter comprise questions from past exam papers from various universities, helping to reinforce the reader’s confidence. Also included, generally at the beginning of sections, are short historical biographies of the leading players in the field of linear algebra to provide context for the topics covered.
The dynamic and engaging style of the book includes frequent question and answer sections to test the reader’s understanding of the methods introduced, rather than requiring rote learning. When first encountered, the subject can appear abstract and students will sometimes struggle to see its relevance; to counter this, the book also contains interviews with key people who use linear algebra in practice, in both professional and academic life. It will appeal to undergraduate students in mathematics, the physical sciences and engineering.
Review
Linear algebra is an important subject not only to mathematicians but also to an ever widening range of disciplines. The effect of the broader audience is reinforced by the trend of lower levels of mathematical preparedness students have after finishing high school. It is with today’s ‘average’ student that Kuldeep Singh has written his undergraduate text Linear Algebra: Step by Step (lasbs). Singh’s goal is to assume only a limited mathematical background while still covering difficult material and to present it in such a way that students are able to learn on their own without the constant support of lecturer or tutor. Importantly, throughout the text questions are posed to the student in blue font which are then promptly answered. While many authors pose the question ‘why?’ after some statement to encourage thought on the topic at hand it appears to me that Singh is more concerned with making questions like ‘What does this definition mean?’, ‘How could we prove this statement?’, ‘Can the statement be generalised?’, ‘When is this valid?’ common place and showing the ‘average’ student that they should be asking these questions and how they might answer the questions for themselves. Questioning the content is important but quite a rare activity amongst students in my experience who seem to focus more on calculation and getting an ‘answer’. If you don’t already have you own set of notes or a favourite text to set students lasbs is definitely worth considering, particularly if you are wanting to ease students towards more abstract topics.Isaac Towers School of Physical, Environ
Release Date: 31-12-2013
Package Dimensions: 30x240x1280
