Linear Algebra

The coverage is standard: linear systems and Gauss' method, vector spaces, linear maps and matrices, determinants, and eigenvectors and eigenvalues. Prerequisites: A semester of calculus. Students with three semesters of calculus can skip a few sections. Applications: Each chapter has three or four discussions of additional topics and applications. These are suitable for independent study or for small group work. What makes it different? The approach is developmental. Although the presentation is focused on covering the requisite material by proving things, it does not start with an assumption that students are already able at abstract work. Instead, it proceeds with a great deal of motivation, many computational examples, and exercises that range from routine verifications to (a few) challenges. The goal is, in the context of developing the usual material of an undergraduate linear algebra course, to help raise the level of mathematical maturity of the class.

Jim Hefferon is an Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Mathematics Department at Saint Michael's College in Colchester, Vermont.