Elementary Matrix Theory

Rating:
Summary: Not Linear Algebra
Review: I love this book. It contains a wealth of information on basic matrix theory that one almost never gets in the classroom or typical undergraduate texts. I never realised how rich the theory of matrix theory was until I read this book. Bare in mind, however, that this is not a text on linear algebra . . . the author does touch upon the subject, but even then it is linear algebra in the context of matrix theory and not matrices in the context of linear algebra. This is rather an old approach, but one I think that is very enlightening. The author touches on advanced topics such as Lie products, Hamilton products, tensor products and so on. I this way, the student learns that the traditional way of multiplying matrices is not the only way, but simply the way that linear algebra chooses to make use of the matrices. The level of the book is undegraduate, so that any intelligent high school student should be able to get much out of the book. No real math background is required, although it would be helpful. Theory is paid attention to, but a great deal of detail is also given worked out problems, making it ideal for math students who don't yet feel comfortable with advanced theoretical math.