A Concise Introduction to Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics regarding vector spaces and linear mappings between such spaces. It includes the study of lines, planes, and subspaces, but is also concerned with properties common to all vector spaces. Linear algebra is the study of linear sets of equations and their transformation properties. Linear algebra allows the analysis of rotations in space, least squares fitting, solution of coupled differential equations, determination of a circle passing through three given points, as well as many other problems in mathematics, physics, and engineering. The matrix and determinant are extremely useful tools of linear algebra. Techniques from linear algebra are also used in analytic geometry, engineering, physics, natural sciences, computer science, computer animation, and the social sciences. Because linear algebra is such a well-developed theory, nonlinear mathematical models are sometimes approximated by linear models. Linear algebra is central to both pure and applied mathematics. Functional analysis studies the infinite-dimensional version of the theory of vector spaces. Combined with calculus, linear algebra facilitates the solution of linear systems of differential equations. This book, A Concise Introduction to Linear Algebra, covers matrix theory and linear algebra, emphasizing topics useful in other disciplines such as physics, economics and social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.