Elementary Linear Algebra with Applications

Rating:
Summary: Not Adequate Without Supplemental Texts
Review: If you are searching for a book to learn the fundamentals of linear algebra, avoid this textbook. I cannot recommend it, and apparently, after almost 18 years in the classroom (it was first published in 1986), neither can anyone else who buys their books from Amazon. If you are required to purchase this book for a class, you are indeed stuck in a tough spot - but help is available...

There at two other books which present linear algebra fundamentals extremely well. You can purchase Anton's Elementary Linear Algebra to help you survive in a class that is using the Hill book. Gilbert Strang's Introduction to Linear Algebra book is also excellent, and employs pragmatic explanations that will clarify the new concepts.

Anton's Elementary Linear Algebra has been around since 1973, is refined, has better diagrams and fuller explanations than the Hill book, and is about the same price. Look at the ratings from readers - four stars plus, based on 11 reviews. Strang's book is brand new (2003), but has already racked up good reviews - Four stars based on 22 reviews...and it is less expensive than the Hill book.

My experience with both the Anton and Strang texts confirm their ratings. I have used both time and time again to help me understand what the Hill book seems to explain poorly, or glosses over completely. Check for yourself...look at the ratings and comments for the Anton and Strang books. The comments are largely positive. Then look at the ratings for the Hill book: as of this writing, there are none. I believe this is not a coincidence, and that this accurately represents a lukewarm reception by Amazon's mathematical readership.

I would bet that Mr. Hill is an excellent instructor in person, but his book is less impressive. Those who helped him write it have let him down. If you are a student or colleague of Mr. Hill, and you feel differently than I do, then I encourage you to post a review in favor of his textbook.

As a final note, "3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development" by Fletcher Dunn and Ian Parberry provides some excellent auxillary material on how computer science and simulation programmers will be using vectors and matrices. Great pictures, diagrams, and explanations. It will help you see why you are learning this linear algebra stuff, and how to begin applying it in your career field. It has high ratings from it's readers at Amazon, and for good reason.