Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra

Kevin O'Meara, John Clark, Charles Vinsonhaler

ISBN 10: 0199793735 / ISBN 13: 9780199793730

Published by Oxford University Press Inc, US, 2011

About this Item

Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra presents, in an engaging style, novel topics linked through the Weyr matrix canonical form, a largely unknown cousin of the Jordan canonical form discovered by Eduard Weyr in 1885. The book also develops much linear algebra unconnected to canonical forms, that has not previously appeared in book form. It presents common applications of Weyr form, including matrix commutativity problems, approximate simultaneous diagonalization, and algebraic geometry, with the latter two having topical connections to phylogenetic invariants in biomathematics and multivariate interpolation. The Weyr form clearly outperforms the Jordan form in many situations, particularly where two or more commuting matrices are involved, due to the block upper triangular form a Weyr matrix forces on any commuting matrix. In this book, the authors develop the Weyr form from scratch, and include an algorithm for computing it. The Weyr form is also derived ring-theoretically in an entirely different way to the classical derivation of the Jordan form. A fascinating duality exists between the two forms that allows one to flip back and forth and exploit the combined powers of each. The book weaves together ideas from various mathematical disciplines, demonstrating dramatically the variety and unity of mathematics. Though the book's main focus is linear algebra, it also draws upon ideas from commutative and noncommutative ring theory, module theory, field theory, topology, and algebraic geometry.Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra offers self-contained accounts of the non-trivial results used from outside linear algebra, and lots of worked examples, thereby making it accessible to graduate students. Indeed, the scope of the book makes it an appealing graduate text, either as a reference or for an appropriately designed one or two semester course. A number of the authors' previously unpublished results appear as well.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780199793730

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra
• Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc, US
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0199793735
• ISBN 13: 9780199793730
• Binding: Hardback
• Edition: Illustrated.
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The Weyr matrix canonical form is a largely unknown cousin of the Jordan canonical form. Discovered by Eduard Weyr in 1885, the Weyr form outperforms the Jordan form in a number of mathematical situations, yet it remains somewhat of a mystery, even to many who are skilled in linear algebra.

Written in an engaging style, this book presents various advanced topics in linear algebra linked through the Weyr form. Kevin O'Meara, John Clark, and Charles Vinsonhaler develop the Weyr form from scratch and include an algorithm for computing it. A fascinating duality exists between the Weyr form and the Jordan form. Developing an understanding of both forms will allow students and researchers to exploit the mathematical capabilities of each in varying situations.

Weaving together ideas and applications from various mathematical disciplines, Advanced Topics in Linear Algebra is much more than a derivation of the Weyr form. It presents novel applications of linear algebra, such as matrix commutativity problems, approximate simultaneous diagonalization, and algebraic geometry, with the latter two having topical connections to phylogenetic invariants in biomathematics and multivariate interpolation. Among the related mathematical disciplines from which the book draws ideas are commutative and noncommutative ring theory, module theory, field theory, topology, and algebraic geometry. Numerous examples and current open problems are included, increasing the book's utility as a graduate text or as a reference for mathematicians and researchers in linear algebra.

About the Author

Kevin C. O'Meara has taught and researched broadly within algebra, based mostly at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, but with many visits to the University of Connecticut, USA. Linear algebra has been a recurring theme in much of his work, often in novel settings.

John Clark's research interests are in the theory of rings and modules, starting with his PhD written under the supervision of Christian Jensen of the University of Copenhagen. Ring theory has continued to fascinate and surprise him during these last forty years.

Charles I. Vinsonhaler has over 100 publications, most in algebra, a few in actuarial science and mathematics education. He coauthored a small book on problem solving with Tom DeFranco. He has held a number of visiting positions, including the University of Canterbury, NZ, where he was an Erskine Fellow.