Book Description

Exceptionally clear and accessible, Pat McKeague's best-selling texts offer all the review, drill, and practice students need to develop solid mathematical proficiency and confidence. McKeague's attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts make teaching enjoyable and learning accessible.The sixth edition of this popular paperback series gives the book a greater emphasis on the connections between equations, tables, and graphs and by incorporating pedagogy that addresses collaborative learning and terminology. ... Read more

Book Description

This third edition of the successful outline in linear algebra--which sold more than 400,000 copies in its past two editions--has been thoroughly updated to increase its applicability to the fields in which linear algebra is now essential: computer science, engineering, mathematics, physics, and quantitative analysis. Revised coverage includes new problems relevant to computer science and a revised chapter on linear equations.

Reviews (10)

Excellent Study aid for Grad/Undergrad course
The book is LOADED with examples, and has an excellent index. It supplies the examples that many texts leave out to make way for the theory. I bet that you will find more than one answer to a homework problem in this volume if you are taking either Grad or Undergrad Linear Algebra. It really helps you to find detailed information and solve specific problems.

Comprehensive overview of linear algebra
This book is an incredible value! It covers all major topics in the field of linear algebra, in fact, many more topics than some more expensive texts. This book has many theorems with proofs as well as example problems and applications. My only complaints about this book are that the coverage of theory is a bit terse, and the proofs to many of the theorems are found in the exercises section at the end of the chapter, rather than immediately after the theorem. The terseness means that, without prior exposure to linear algebra, it would be a bit difficult to teach yourself strictly from this book. But with a little bit of background, this book should be no trouble at all. A "real" textbook would get a lower rating for these types of complaints, but since this book costs less than $13, there is no reason not to get it.

Very nice book for theory review
I would say that the structure of this book pleased me. I used it as a theory review for my qualifying exam in Linear Algebra. For that purpose it served quite well. It has a nice, constructive structure. It will make your knowledge organized and will not overload you with too much abstractions. Especially I enjoyed the fact that definitions and key theorems are situated separately from their proofs, that allow you to familiarize yourself with theory in general and after you know everything there, you may concentrate on the proofs to make your knowledge more sophisticated. At least this is the way how I did work with this book. As for exercises, they are not very difficult, I would say undergraduate level only, so that it is good for those who has a weak knowledge in this subject. For those who want to go beyond Linear Algebra I would suggest Kostrykin, 3 volumes, but it is in Russian ;-)

easy to learn with this book, but too many mistakes
i'm currently taking linear algebra from one of the authors of this book. the first day of class the instructor passed out a corrections sheet for the book. even with the corrections sheet, i found many wrong answers in the answer sections.

the pros
- low cost compared to a normal textbook
- easy to understand explanations
- concise
- lots of problems

the cons
- many, many wrong answers in the answer key means that you'll spend a lot of time checking your math with a calculator.

ERRORS
After reading the first chapter I found 6 errors within the first 14 pages. These are simple equation errors. For example, page 6, the distance equation has a1-b1 and it should be an-bn. These Phd's should have had a student(may be several) review their work for the simple errors. ... Read more

Book Description

This book, modern in its writing style as well as in its applications, contains numerous exercises—both skill oriented and applications—, real data problems, and a problem solving method.The book features exercises based on data form the World Wide Web, technology options for those who wish to use a graphing calculator, review boxes, strategic checkpoints, interactive activities, section summaries and projects, and chapter openers and reviews.For anyone who wants to see and understand how mathematics are used in everyday life. ... Read more

Book Description

This short book integrates the use of MATLAB in a unique, innovative way. Linear transformations are integrated throughout the book. The book uses MATLAB as the chosen computational software. It may be used without the need form machine computation, although exposure to some use of MATLAB is recommended. Worked examples illustrating every important concept or main point. At the end of each example the reader is asked to work one (or more) routine exercises which are of the same type. Although the book has beendeveloped in the context of engineering and computer science, it is also suitable for other audiences.

Book Description

Adopting a user-friendly, conversational—and at times humorous—style, these authors make the principles and practices of discrete mathematics as stimulating as possible while presenting comprehensive, rigorous coverage. Examples and exercises integrated throughout each chapter serve to pique reader interest and bring clarity to even the most complex concepts. Above all, the book is designed to engage today's readers in the interesting, applicable facets of modern mathematics. More than 200 worked examples and problems, as well as over 2500 exercises are included. Full solutions are provided in the back of the book. More than 150 Pauses—short questions inserted at strategic points—are included. Full solutions to Pauses are included at the end of each section. For educators in area of discrete mathematics. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!
Discrete math is complex enough for subjects to be explained extensively. That's not at all the case in this book. The explanations are too limited but most importantly, the wide range of expected answers REQUIRES this text to include most of, if not all, the correct answers for its exercises. This should not be a problem in this subject since having the answers would still leave you far from getting shortcuts; you'd still have to know discrete math well to pass a test.
This text was created ONLY to generate profits and lacks of any interest in the student's learning. It even looks like the author cashed-in his check and took a nice long vacation since his companion website is empty.
This book will only waste your money.

BORING
I actually have the first edition and not this one. However they are both boring. The two do not vary from each other. Don't attempt to read it for fun. It will bore you to death.

Excellent but hard!
This book is the best among all the Discrete Math Textbooks that I have ever read. First of all, it is hard! Secondly it is interesting. Thirdly, its ideas are well presented! If there are complete solutions provided, then it would be a perfect book on the subject. One star means best in MY definition and five worst. Just for fun!

It's poorly written; too few answers at back of book.
If you want to learn Discrete Mathematics without the help of a professor you're out of luck with this book. There are plenty of exercises to ponder and work in the book which is great, but there are very few answers given in the back of the book so that makes for an unusually bad situation. And I don't think there is an edition for faculty. With this book you'll need an excellent teacher to guide you through this difficult material. And if you're like me, you would rather know that you don't have to rely completely on the professor to answer the millions of questions you will definitely encounter throughout the text because teachers are very busy and usually hard to contact due to their limited office hours. Take it from a college student and don't waste your money on this utterly useless math book if you don't have to do so. It could have been written much better with the aid of a math major who, for the purposes of the book, would have needed to never have been exposed to Discrete Mathematics. Only this kind of person can point out the areas that are unclear. And there quite a number and I'm only on the second chapter. ... Read more

Book Description

A chance for students to apply a wide range of mathematics to an engaging problem

This book helps students at the advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate levels to develop connections between the algebra, geometry, and analysis that they know, and to better appreciate the totality of what they have learned.

The text demonstrates the use of general concepts by applying theorems from various areas in the context of one problem—solving the quintic. The problem is approached from two directions: the first is Felix Klein's nineteenth-century approach, using the icosahedron. The second approach presents recent works of Peter Doyle and Curt McMullen, which update Klein's use of transcendental functions to a solution through pure iteration.

Filling a pedagogical gap in the literature and providing a solid platform from which to address more advanced material, this meticulously written book:

• Develops the Riemann sphere and its field of functions, classifies the finite groups of its automorphisms, computes for each such group a generator of the group-invariant functions, and discusses algebraic aspects of inverting this generator
• Gives, in the case of the icosahedral group, an elegant presentation of the relevant icosahedral geometry and its relation to the Brioschi quintic
• Reduces the general quintic to Brioschi form by radicals
• Proves Kronecker's theorem that an "auxiliary" square root is necessary for any such reduction
• Expounds Doyle and McMullen's development of an iterative solution to the quintic
• Provides a wealth of exercises and illustrations to clarify the geometry of the quintic

Reviews (2)

Caveat emptor!
Look at this book before you buy it. The author gets five stars; the publisher, one at most. What a shame! This is just the book for the summer before you start grad school. See Galois theory in action! But check it out of the library. It's printed on blotting paper. The illustrations are done in shades of black. If you wear glasses you will think they are dirty, but sadly, no amount of cleaning will make this book look as sharp and clear as its ideas. Of course, what you really study will be in your own handwriting, but a book this expensive should be beautiful.

Felix Klein and polynomials of the fifth degree
There are many books that discuss the fact that you cannot solve the general polynomial of the fifth degree (i.e. a quintic) using radicals. They often mention that Felix Klein showed there is a method to find the roots using rotations of the icosahedron, the regular polyhedron with 20 triangular faces. It is hard to find out exactly what this means (Klein's own book is out of print). Shurman gives all the details, and is a well written book combining group theory and geometry.

In brief, Klein's result goes like this: Find all rotations that leave the icosahedron invariant, which turns out to be isomorphic to A5, the alternating group on 5 letters. Use stereographic projection to map the sphere onto the plane, and use this to map the rotations fixing the icosahedron to a group G of linear fractional transformations. Next find an icosahedral invariant f, which is a rational function f(z) (which turns out to have degree 60) invariant under G. That is f[(az+b)/(cz+d)] = f(z) for all transformation z -> (az+b)/(cz+d) in G. Finally, let g(w) = z be the inverse function to f(z) = w. Then Kleins' result is that for any quintic, there is a formula that gives its roots as an expression involving the coefficients of p, radicals, and the function g().

If this doesn't make a lot of sense, it will after reading Shurman's book. He starts at the beginning in chapter 1 by explaining how to map the sphere onto the plane using stereographic projection. Chapter 2 computes the five regular polyhedra and their rotation groups, giving explicit generators for each group. Chapter 3 computes invariant functions, rational functions preserved by groups of linear fractional transformations. Chapters 4 and 5 complete the explanation of how to solve the quintic via the icosahedron, and chapters 6 and 7 treat some related topics.

The book has lots of explicit computations. As just one example: after Shurman proves that the rotations of the icosahedron can be represented as a unitary group, he computes the actual matrices that generate the group.

Many key parts of proofs are left as exercises, but they are almost all easy. The book is unusually well proof-read. I only noticed one misprint: one page 95 line 5, there is a - that should be a +.

I greatly enjoyed this book. I found it be a very pleasant read combining basic abstract algebra and Euclidean geometry. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Clear and easy to follow.
I read this book as a refresher of the high school algebra I'd forgotten (or slept through). This book flows well from one topic to the next. Unlike my high school textbooks, this book carefully covers everything you need to know before the practice questions - I never felt lost or hopelessly confused. ... Read more

Book Description

Emphasizing graphing technology and business applications, this user-friendly book is the perfect reference for everyday and business mathematics.Solves problems using both algebra and a graphing utility, with the benefits of each illustrated. Uses real data to help readers make connections between the mathematics learned and familiar situations.Uses up-to-date technology including the more powerful features of ZERO(ROOT) and INTERSECT, with minimal use of TRACE. Helps readers quickly identify key points in the book with a vivid new full-color design.For anyone who needs to brush up on everyday or business-related mathematics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

What can you say it's a math book?
I did use this book for two semesters and I did pass my classes with good enough grades to go on to calculus. I didn't like how it was missing any practical applications for most of the material. isn't college about the time to reveal hou you are going to USE all this math you've learned? Oh well many challenging problems but I would not buy this book for my personal library. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It passes the test for adoption consideration
As a reviewer and educator, I encounter many textbooks that can be used in the lower level classes such as basic statistics, algebra, precalculus and finite mathematics. Since the material to be covered in these classes has been established by consensus, it is a rare occasion when there is a significant difference in coverage. In addition, there is a natural order to many of the topics, so the differences in sequence also tend to be minimal. All of this leads to a routine sameness of the books, especially when examined by someone experienced in the topic.
Therefore, when examining a book for adoption consideration, my primary concern is how easy it will be for the students to read it. This requires that you intentionally dumb yourself down, reading the explanations in detail, looking for simplistic clarity. If a book has that feature, then it is most likely a good choice. With the exception of including solutions to a large percentage of the problems, all other aspects of the book are secondary. (I consider the lack of solutions to problems in a math book to be a fatal flaw.) In general, I consider the inclusion of more problems of the same type to be trivial padding; after all, the value added by including ten more routine matrix addition problems is minimal. In finite mathematics, it is possible to include problems based on circumstances that actually occur in the real world. The cost of manufacturing some items is in fact locally linear and the allocation of resources can be described by a matrix. Therefore, the realism of the applied problems must also be a consideration when examining a finite math text.
With these conditions of acceptance established, I can say that this book passes the test. The explanations have the simplistic clarity that students need and solutions to many of the problems are included. Many problems demonstrate reasonably practical conditions where finite mathematics is used in the world, and the appropriate background for the problems is given. While no decision has yet been made concerning what book to use next year, this one has been placed on my list of the top three finalists for further consideration.
... Read more

Book Description

Stewart's CALCULUS, Fifth Edition has the mathematical precision, accuracy, clarity of exposition and outstanding examples and problem sets that have characterized the first four editions. Stewart retains the focus on problem solving and the pedagogical system that has made the book a favorite of students and instructors in a wide variety of colleges and universities throughout the world. In this Fifth Edition, he has made hundreds of small improvements: new examples, additional steps in existing examples, updating of data in existing examples and exercises, new phrases and margin notes to clarify the exposition, references to other sources and web sites, redrawn art, and references to the TEC CD (Tools for Enriching Calculus). These refinements ensure that students and instructors have the best materials available. The number of pages in the book, however, remains unchanged from the 4th edition. Further support for students and instructors is now available through a vast array of supplementary material. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Stewart Solution Manual for Calculus
This is NOT the solution manual for the second half of Stewart's Calculus, 5th Edition (Thomson Publishing). It's part 2 for an earlier (obsolete?) calculus book. If you need the solution's manual for Edition 5, order Dan Clegg's Student Solutions Manual for James Stewart's (Multivariable) Calculus (Thomson Publishing, 2003).

Not too bad...
I thought the text wasn't too bad, but considering the material until about chapter 17 was quite easy, that is really not saying much. The book didn't give appropriate examples of all the different special cases of line and surface integrals, which made 17.3-17.7 quite difficult; I had to learn surface integrals elsewhere. This book wasn't horrible, but I wouldn't recommend it.

could be better but does the job.
the chapter on vector calculus was confusing and the examples were ridiculous in that they didn't fully teach the concepts. if you want a real calculus book, try Anton. half of our class used Anton's Calculus to learn the material since the chapters are in the same order pretty much.

Nothing explained
This book does a pretty terrible job of explaining anything. It seems to gloss over the theory very quickly, maybe assuming we already know it (in which case we would have no need for the book)!

It has a few examples, which are decent in that they illustrate the ideas but they are not enough in number nor in variety. While doing the problems in the book whenever I get stuck I often find that the book is of no help in helping me understand, either because the examples are too specific or more often than not because there is no explanation at all.

This book has a lot of great problems that I guess promote understanding (as someone else has mentioned), but it does nothing to help you solve them, and that's the major flaw of the book which is why I simply cannot give it more than 2 stars.

Very Good Book
This book encourages readers to think and understand the basic concepts of Calculus rather than to work mechanically through different problems and memorize the solutions.
The derivations offered in this book are easy to follow and helps readers to learn the concepts in depth. Unfortunately, this book is not intended for advanced Calculus course and, as a result, it lacks complete derivations/proofs to some theories presented in advanced-Calculus textbooks.
On the whole, this is an excellent textbook for a Calculus course! ... Read more

Book Description

This book gives architects and designers a working knowledge of architectural acoustics. The control of sound is important not only in obvious places like concert halls, but also in offices where privacy is essential. In Architectural Acoustics, six experienced consultants present basic acoustical principles; specific materials, methods, and techniques for controlling sound in and around buildings; and some recent innovations in acoustical research. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Value in Diversity
Apostol's presentation differs from the standard order and content for a calculus course, but is the more useful for it. Introducing integration first is historically more accurate and sets the tone for the rest of the book. This is not a "plumbers" book but the examples inform the abstraction very well. This book does not bog down in the tedium of analytical geometry and figure recognition which is too often the case elsewhere.

I am using the book for self-study as a middle-aged adult and find the presentation makes sense of things from other sources. The intellectual level is demanding but not unreasonable--challenging without being overwelming. While the introduction of linear algebra may no longer be needed for introductory calculus students, presenting it in the context of the calculus ties thing together nicely.

A great text for reference, but not for introduction.
While this book deserves the good reviews it has received, I don't think it is very useful for anyone that is not already versed in the subject matter. For those who need a reference text on calculus that is rigorous, focused and complete it won't get any better than this.
Yet, I have to repeat a remark by a previous reviewer, that for anyone who is in need of more user-friendly introduction, or who is looking for more advanced angles, this book may be an awkward choice.

That said, I see no problems with the introduction of integration before differentiation, since most appreciative users will have been introduced by other texts. Far from all the modern books aimed at generations X, Y and Z everything remains axiomatic and mathematically thorough and no necessary proof is omitted in an attempt to cut corners.

A classic couple of books for those that need all their t's crossed.

Great if a freshman tells you 'i want to do math'
"Tommy" is a good choice for the first or second year students who have considerable talent and interest in math, as a bridge between their 'compulsary' calculus and the rigor of mathematical analysis. The text is well written (as freshmen text ought to be) sans the colorful graphs and 'real life applications' prevailing in other calculus text (those not written for math majors). The exercises are balanced between routine slog and rigorous proof. Notations are standard and consistent throughout. I recommend this as a textbook for honors calculus class, or as an in-depth self study for the non-math majors.

Great introductory text
This book was used for my introductory calculus class. Though some reviewers believe that this text isn't suitable as a first introduction to calculus, I didn't have any problems with it, and as far as I know no one in my class did either. Quite the opposite, in fact. The detailed proofs and derivations made material that might otherwise be difficult easy to understand. The introduction of linear algebra before multi-variable calculus (which is covered in volume II) makes some of the more abstract concepts in multi-variable calculus quite straightforward. In general, the proofs are detailed enough for someone with no prior experience in a proof oriented class to understand, but concise enough to not be tedious

Four years after having taken my first calculus class, I still remember how to apply techniques such as taylor series and lagrange multipliers because, rather than just throw out formulas and laundry lists of steps, Apostol goes through derivaions that engender a deep understanding of the mathematics behind the techniques.

It's Too Bad !!
Frankly, it is too bad that modern academic institutions and those responsible for it's direction have forgone the use of two marvelous and impeccably well-written Calculus texts and in their place have opted to baby students with such authors as Stewart. In the hands of a confident and versed instructor these two texts are worth their weight in gold since they carry the student through the normal Calculus I, II and III sequence as well as providing a nice digression into Linear Algebra. As stated by prior reviewers, these two books are complete, rigorous, Apostol never cuts corners in his presentation of the material and he shows the student exactly how calculus and in general mathematics texts should be written. By far these are best and everything else is merely a waste of paper. My hat goes off to Apostol for continuing to his legacy of well-written Mathematical texts ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Start with it but don't end with it!
I used this book in my first engineering calculus course. The professor was incredibly theoretical and did not teach from the book which made matters somewhat difficult. However, he was showing us the meaning of math which I found refreshing. This book serves its purpose as one which teaches the mechanics of solving problems but very little in developing an intuitive feeling for mathematics. I must admit that the multitude of exercises were very helpful in getting comfortable with difficult mechanical problems. For single variable calculus it is a standard book with good examples, excellent diagrams, and some applications. Getting into multivariables, the ideas are not connected well and seem segragated from the rest of material. I guess as a brief overview, it makes its point but should not be used as a text for multivariable calculus.

If you are interested in theory I recommend Apostol's Calculus which covers a great range of material with rigorous foundation. As far as exercises go, Michael Spivak's Calculus is quite challenging and will keep you occupied for months.

All-in-all, a great book for brush up and single variable material but not to be used for higher dimensional analysis.

Not for the mediocre
This book is a stunning rebuke to all attempts to dumb down the math curriculum in high schools and colleges. This book, in my opinion, expects the student to have mastered precalculus at the level set forth in, say, David Cohen's Precalculus with unit-circle trigonometry (ISBN 0-534-35275-8). It introduces mathematical rigor in the Calculus 101 semester (of a three semester calculus program) and thereby begins preparing the math major for the hard analysis courses that comes later on. There are no cute stories featuring 'How I Use Math In The Workplace' to inspire you - your self esteem will be hard won as you master the concepts as presented here (especially the problems). The book's greatest strength is that it is basic and traditional in its approach to calculus - no problem or example requires obscure special tricks from mathematical journals or Isaac Newton level ingenuity. This book is a must get!

Great Book
(This review refers to the eighth edition)

This is an excellent textbook for an ordinary 3 semester calculus sequence. Important theorems are not used without proof, the illustrations are simple and tasteful (I hate when math textbooks contain color photographs), and the content is well-written. There's a good balance between theory and applications. This textbook does tend to be more challenging than many undergraduate texts, and may not be appropriate for high school or junior college courses.

The least upper bound material would be better placed earlier, before studying integrals. The authors might have expanded the theory involving implicit differentiation and differentials. This is an introductory text, however, and the authors generally make good choices when it comes to including theory. Every university should use this book as the text for their standard calculus sequences.

Student from TX
This is a very good book - I found it really helpful especially because it was quite challenging. If you are a person that does not like math, however, you may want to use a more elementary book first, before doing this one. Has plenty of examples and good problems. Very good for students taking freshman/sophomore college level national exams. Its ideal for university level multi-variable calculus course(s).

Adequate for the Purpose
I just finished my 3rd term of calculus using this book, and I enjoyed the style of the text. Similar to their "one variable early transcendentals" book for first and second term calc, the prose is terse and the later examples require a bit of "ah, I see how they chose to simply this". Once you get used to the "Tao" of their method, though, the book unfolds concept after concept cleanly and efficiently.

One of the things I like about the book is the gradual increasing complexity of the problems, and how they correlate to the particular section of the text. The first problems start easy and from the beginning of the section, then they give you "harder" problems that continue to move through the section's examples, followed by a "all bets are off" part.

The only part I didnt like (which is why it gets only 4 stars) are the sections that introduce the concepts of double and triple integrals. It took me quite a few re-reads to get it down, and I'm not sure if their proofs were the best. Like everything else in mathematics, I finally got the jist by solving problems. Once the "introductory" part of the double and triple integral was completed, the book seemed to get "back into the rhythm" and I was able to crank all the way to the end.

If you are a freshman/sophomore undergraduate student who paid attention in your first 2 terms of calculus and are quick to see how a problem simplifies through "the math" rather than through prose, this book will serve you well. On the other hand, if you were not happy with calc1 and 2, or have an interest more in the "how" than the "why" (i.e.- an "applied calculus" book), this book may not be for you. ... Read more

Book Description

Continues the outstanding tradition of earlier volumes with attention to detail, well-written explanations and a lively, accessible approach to learning. The size of this edition has been substantially reduced by rewriting major portions of the material for more efficient exposition and effective use of space. New material has been added on parametric representations of surfaces, Jacobians and Kepler's laws. Also includes new reference matter on complex numbers as well as biographies and historical notes which capture the personalities of the great mathematicians. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

An Excellent Calculus Text Book!
While I wouldn't recommend reading this book in one sitting, this book is excellent. It provides a easy to follow examples, good graphics, and lots of problems. The newer edition provides more graphics and an inflated price. If you can find a used one--get it

It teaches you what other college calculus books don't.
In taking the whole calculus sequence, teachers have pretty much forced me to buy a calculus book with every new class I took. I bought Anton's Calculus With Analytic Geometry for my first calculus class ever and throughout the following courses, I have always relied on it to explain to me what isn't explained in other calculus textbooks. It is not only a classic, but in my opinion, it's the best there is on the subject.

By the way, the companion's books written by James E. Ward, are also great books. They take the reader into greater depth in understanding Anton's examples and explanations. These books are money well invested if you are serious about learning calculus, over time they will always have a special place in your library.

Great book
This is undoubtedly the best calculus book I have seen. Clear explanations with diagrams. I love this book.

The Review on The best Calculus book out there
Let me start by saying that I have tried reading several Calculus books and have found them to be either too vague and/or not analytical enough from a student's point of view. But with Howard Anton's Calculus books, especially if used in conjunction with the Comapnion books, learning calculus becomes very imformative and fun. This book helped me get A's in Calculus 1 and 2. This is indeed, a GREAT book. Unfortunately, I've lost it. Hence, I'm here.

Calculus for the common person
The narative introduction of this classic piece of mathematical history was compelling and heart-wrenching. Until I read this book, I had never imagined the romantic and timeless nature of Calculus. I can now not imagine my life without this book, which is a daily source of strength and rejuvenation. My heart is moved on a daily basis by the effect that this work has on the lives and attitudes of my students, a phenomenon unparalleled in my history with mathematics. I OWE MY LIFE TO THIS BOOK!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Glencoe's Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 balance sound skill and concept development with applications, connections, problem solving, critical thinking, and technology. Whether your students are getting ready for college or the workplace, this program gives them the skills they need for success. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wow!
This book is the one book people who want to learn Algebra 2 need. It completely enhanced my knowledge on the subject, and took me to a higher level. It will truly make your mind capacious! ... Read more

Book Description

Matrix Analysis and Applied Linear Algebra is an honest math text that circumvents the traditional definition-theorem-proof format that has bored students in the past. Meyer uses a fresh approach to introduce a variety of problems and examples ranging from the elementary to the challenging and from simple applications to discovery problems. The focus on applications is a big difference between this book and others. Meyer's book is more rigorous and goes into more depth than some. He includes some of the more contemporary topics of applied linear algebra which are not normally found in undergraduate textbooks. Modern concepts and notation are used to introduce the various aspects of linear equations, leading readers easily to numerical computations and applications. The theoretical developments are always accompanied with examples, which are worked out in detail. Each section ends with a large number of carefully chosen exercises from which the students can gain further insight.

The textbook contains more than 240 examples, 650 exercises, historical notes, and comments on numerical performance and some of the possible pitfalls of algorithms. It comes with a solutions manual that includes complete solutions to all of the exercises. As a bonus, a CD-ROM is included that contains a searchable copy of the entire textbook and all solutions. Detailed information on topics mentioned in examples, references for additional study, thumbnail sketches and photographs of mathematicians, and a history of linear algebra and computing are also on the CD-ROM, which can be used on all platforms.

Students will love the book's clear presentation and informal writing style. The detailed applications are valuable to them in seeing how linear algebra is applied to real-life situations. One of the most interesting aspects of this book, however, is the inclusion of historical information. These personal insights into some of the greatest mathematicians who developed this subject provide a spark for students and make the teaching of this topic more fun. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

An Excellent Textbook
This book is by far the best in presenting this material. What has impressed me so far is that although the book is user-friendly and simply/clearly written to attract even non-advanced readers, there was nothing until now that I needed and I could not find in this book. It is an excellent book that satisfies both basic-level readers and advanced Linear Algebra researchers (at least in the engineering field), a combination that in general is very difficult to achieve.

Excellent Book
This is an excellent book. Very strongly recommended. It provides a good understanding of both computational and conceptual aspects of Linear algebra.

Corrected printing: April 2004
SIAM has published a second printing with all known errors (of the first edition) corrected.

Cumple el objetivo que se propone.
Antes de comprarlo puede resultar útil leer la página web del autor: http://meyer.math.ncsu.edu/. El formato de edición es excelente. El libro viene con un CD-ROM y un manual con todos los problemas resueltos. Es muy recomendable para una introducción avanzada al análisis matricial. Estudiantes de licenciatura de Física encontrarán en este libro casi todo lo necesario para la carrera (referente a matrices) y muy bien explicado. SIAM acaba de editar una versión corregida (abril de 2004).

Probably the best linear algebra book available
I wanted a truly intermediate linear algebra book, not too elementary and not too advanced. I chose this one, and have not been disappointed. Especially if you are already acquainted with the subject, this book has much to offer. Although I am wont to skip introductory chapters dealing with Gaussian elimination, I am glad that I did not skip the introductory material in this book, because it goes considerably beyond the usual presentation. The author is concerned throughout the book with the numerical and computational aspect of the subject, but sometimes can only summarize those results in a book only 700 pages long. I appreciate even those summaries, since they are entirely missing from other linear algebra textbooks. This is a practical, problem-oriented textbook, especially valuable for a computational perspective.

According to the blurb on the back, this book "circumvents the traditional definition-theorem-proof format that has bored students in the past." I do not find that format boring. I appreciate the clarity that it ought to facilitate. My only criticism, so far, is that this format was not followed. ... Read more

Book Description

The goal of this series is to provide readers with a strong foundation in Algebra. Each book is designed to develop readers' critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities and prepare readers for subsequent Algebra courses as well as “service” math courses. Topics are presented in an interesting and inviting format, incorporating real world sourced data and encouraging modeling and problem-solving.The Real Number System. Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable. Problem Solving. Linear Equations and Inequalities in Two Variables. Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities. Exponents and Polynomials. Factoring Polynomials. Rational Expressions. Roots and Radicals. Quadratic Equations and Functions.For anyone interested in introductory and intermediate algebra and for the combined introductory and intermediate algebra. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Introductory Algebra for College Students
We ordered the Third Edition and received the Second Edition. I would like to return this book for the Third Edition of Introductory Algebra for College Students.

Would give it a ten if I could
I have to confess to a certain degree of academic snobbery when it comes to books on science and math. That is, I tend to look for books produced by PhDs in a specific field who teach at prestigious universities or for collaborations of them. I do, however, pride myself on giving credit where credit is due, and this volume is certainly an example. According to the text's introduction Robert Blitzer, the author of Introductory Algebra for College Students, has a BA in math and psychology with a minor in English literature, an MA in math, and a doctorate in behavioral sciences and teaches in a local community college in Florida. That's quite an eclectic vita. In this case it is an ideal vita, that of a teacher dedicated to student comprehension of his subject.

The author approaches student learning from a variety of directions, some uniquely oriented to specific types of mental framework. He presents, for instance, visual guides for those who need to "see it to understand it"-my particular favorites are the sets that compose all real numbers on p. 19 [3rd ed.] and the graphs of systems of linear inequalities like those on pp 312-313, because they make these topics so crystal clear. Elsewhere he introduces the concept of matrices, putting information into columns under appropriate headings so that one can see what information one has, what one needs and what has to be manipulated with what to achieve an answer (i.e. "Solving a Solution Mixture Problem," p. 173.) Remember those threatening word problems involving things like that Greyhound bus and the car approaching one another, or the two planes traveling in opposite directions? Piece of cake. The author also gives instructions for scientific and graphic calculators for those who are especially in tune with technology-I have yet to try this, because for my money it's a whole different learning parameter in itself. He also puts some of the algebraic expressions into a useable context. The student finds equations in economics, health sciences, physics, population demographics, athletics, nutrition, sociology, politics, in short most of the areas of student interest and student majors. More than anything, Blitzer makes math useable, accessible, and relevant. It's not just a subject we have to pass to take the classes we really want, it's a skill that helps us with decision making in everyday life.

Some of the data the author uses to create his equations come from industry, education, census data, the cinema industry, simple everyday problems like fencing a yard or deciding on the respective values of a large size or two medium sized pizzas! These situations provide some unique educational experience, not simply because they allow the student to understand the underlying mathematical concepts of solving a specific problem. They are themselves very instructive in reality. What does it matter if two cans of peaches that cost the same are shaped differently ( i.e. if one is six inches in diameter and five inches in height while the other is 5 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height are they really the same value?) How fast does the cost of an education climb over time (i.e. will you be able to afford it for yourself? your kids? Should one get involved in the politics of education?) What is the difference between the rate of increase in salaries for those without high school educations vis a vis those with high school diplomas and those with four years of college (i.e. you may be making the same as a drop out at the beginning, but where will your income be relative to theirs in five years? In ten? In 15? Are you really to busy to get more education? Is that math class really too difficult to get through a degree?) One gains some very important insights into real life just by doing the math that underlines the decisions life presents the average person.

As with any textbook in math, however, the student is an important part of the learning process. If you only do the assigned problems, or if you skip the cumulative reviews at the end of each chapter because you've "already learned all that," you may have perfect daily work but fail your exams. There is, after all, a difference between getting an answer correct, especially with the help of the book, and getting the underlying concept so that you can apply it in new situations.

I think this text would be a wonderful way for adults who are math shy by virtue of unpleasant early experiences to get more out of the subject. It would certainly give parents, whose math skills are poor or just covered with dust, to help their children with this discipline. It would also help college algebra students to prime themselves for more advanced math or for taking a college level algebra course that uses a more confusing text.

Would give it a 10 if I could
I have to confess to a certain degree of academic snobbery when it comes to books on science and math. That is, I tend to look for books produced by PhDs in a specific field who teach at prestigious universities or for collaborations of them. I do, however, pride myself on giving credit where credit is due, and this volume is certainly an example. According to the text's introduction Robert Blitzer, the author of Introductory Algebra for College Students, has a BA in math and psychology with a minor in English literature, an MA in math, and a doctorate in behavioral sciences and teaches in a local community college in Florida. That's quite an eclectic vita. In this case it is an ideal vita, that of a teacher dedicated to student comprehension of his subject.

The author approaches student learning from a variety of directions, some uniquely oriented to specific types of mental framework. He presents, for instance, visual guides for those who need to "see it to understand it"-my particular favorites are the sets that compose all real numbers on p. 19 [3rd ed.] and the graphs of systems of linear inequalities like those on pp 312-313, because they make these topics so crystal clear. Elsewhere he introduces the concept of matrices, putting information into columns under appropriate headings so that one can see what information one has, what one needs and what has to be manipulated with what to achieve an answer (i.e. "Solving a Solution Mixture Problem," p. 173.) Remember those threatening word problems involving things like that Greyhound bus and the car approaching one another, or the two planes traveling in opposite directions? Piece of cake. The author also gives instructions for scientific and graphic calculators for those who are especially in tune with technology-I have yet to try this, because for my money it's a whole different learning parameter in itself. He also puts some of the algebraic expressions into a useable context. The student finds equations in economics, health sciences, physics, population demographics, athletics, nutrition, sociology, politics, in short most of the areas of student interest and student majors. More than anything, Blitzer makes math useable, accessible, and relevant. It's not just a subject we have to pass to take the classes we really want, it's a skill that helps us with decision making in everyday life.

Some of the data the author uses to create his equations come from industry, education, census data, the cinema industry, simple everyday problems like fencing a yard or deciding on the respective values of a large size or two medium sized pizzas! These situations provide some unique educational experience, not simply because they allow the student to understand the underlying mathematical concepts of solving a specific problem. They are themselves very instructive in reality. What does it matter if two cans of peaches that cost the same are shaped differently ( i.e. if one is six inches in diameter and five inches in height while the other is 5 inches in diameter and 6 inches in height are they really the same value?) How fast does the cost of an education climb over time (i.e. will you be able to afford it for yourself? your kids? Should one get involved in the politics of education?) What is the difference between the rate of increase in salaries for those without high school educations vis a vis those with high school diplomas and those with four years of college (i.e. you may be making the same as a drop out at the beginning, but where will your income be relative to theirs in five years? In ten? In 15? Are you really to busy to get more education? Is that math class really too difficult to get through a degree?) One gains some very important insights into real life just by doing the math that underlines the decisions life presents the average person.

As with any textbook in math, however, the student is an important part of the learning process. If you only do the assigned problems, or if you skip the cumulative reviews at the end of each chapter because you've "already learned all that," you may have perfect daily work but fail your exams. There is, after all, a difference between getting an answer correct, especially with the help of the book, and getting the underlying concept so that you can apply it in new situations.

I think this text would be a wonderful way for adults who are math shy by virtue of unpleasant early experiences to get more out of the subject. It would certainly give parents, whose math skills are poor or just covered with dust, to help their children with this discipline. It would also help college algebra students to prime themselves for more advanced math or for taking a college level algebra course that uses a more confusing text. ... Read more

Book Description

This text comprises Chapters 0–7 of Larson and Edwards' Calculus: An Applied Approach, 6/e. For a complete description of this text's features, refer to the entry for that text.

Reviews (4)

Not that helpful for trying to teach yourself
This book assumes a knowledge that not everyone will have.It has an algebra/pre-calc review section, but the review is very basic (ie what an exponent is). The problems require you to remember about negative exponents and cube roots and whatnot.

The explanation parts are very simple and the problems are much more complex.It's hard to make the connection, and the answers in the back don't explain anything.(Don't buy the solutions manual - it's not any more help.)The answers are also simplified in inconsistent ways, so it's sometimes hard to use even if you have the problem right.Calculus for Dummies was more helpful, and explains a little better.It's still not as in depth as the problems in Brief Calculus, though.

(Sidenote: I'm "trying to teach myself" because my professor is incomprensible and has illegible writing as well.)

Yeah, maybe on the cover
I used this book for my high school curiculum and will use the exact same book in my collge calc class.And I have enough experience to say that, although this book seems to be user-friendly, it is by far not.The layout is relatively simple, however is not very in depth. Additionally, this book smashes together several large topics together with very little explanation.This lack of explanation, in turn, makes some of the problems practically impossible due to the fact that you haven't seen any problems like them before.All in all forget this book, and pay attention to your instructor.

Student Friendly Text
This is a great book.It helped me pass my business calculus course.

Excellent for Business majors
This text is an excellent text for business majors of all disciplines. It features real world applications and examples to learn from, and comprehensive excersises to demonstrate mastery of the material. The textis jam packed with helpful and clear illustrations and pictures. ... Read more

Book Description

Elayn Martin-Gay's success as a developmental math author starts with a strong focus on mastering the basics through well-written explanations, innovative pedagogy and a meaningful, integrated program of learning resources. The revisions to this edition provide new pedagogy and resources to build reader confidence and help readers develop basic skills and understand concepts.Martin-Gay's 4-step problem solving process-Understand, Translate, Solve and Interpret-is integrated throughout. Also includes new features such as Study Skills Reminders, "Integrated Reviews", and "Concept Checks."For readers interested in learning or revisiting essential skills in beginning and intermediate algebra through the use of lively and up-to-date applications. ... Read more