I have tutored many, many people in Math through Calculus, and I have found that if you start off with the basics and take things one step at a time - anyone can learn complex Math topics. This book has literally hundreds of example problems ranging in all levels of complexity. Each problem is broken down into bite-sized-chunks so that no one gets lost. This book will take anyone with no prior exposure to Algebra and raise their scores significantly!

This text introduces linear algebra--boiled to its essence--presented in a clear and concise fashion. Designed around a single-semester undergraduate course, Essential Linear Algebra introduces key concepts, various real-world applications, and provides detailed yet understandable proofs of key results that are aimed towards students with no advanced preparation in proof writing. The level of sophistication gradually increases from beginning to end in order to prepare students for subsequent studies.We begin with a detailed introduction to systems of linear equations and elementary row operations. We then advance to a discussion of linear transformations, which provide a second, more geometric, interpretation of the operation of matrix-vector product. We go on to introduce vector spaces and their subspaces, the image and kernel of a transformation, and change of coordinates. Following, we discuss matrices of orthogonal projections and orthogonal matrices. Our penultimate chapter is devoted to the theory of determinants, which are presented, first, in terms of area and volume expansion factors of 2x2 and 3x3 matrices, respectively. We use a geometric understanding of volume in n-dimensions to introduce general determinants axiomatically as multilinear, antisymmetric mappings, and prove existence and uniqueness. Our final chapter is devoted to the theory of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. We conclude with a number of discussions on various types of diagonalization: real, complex, and orthogonal.

"More than ever before, modern social scientists require a basic level of mathematical literacy, yet many students receive only limited mathematical training prior to beginning their research careers. This textbook addresses this dilemma by offering a comprehensive, unified introduction to the essential mathematics of social science. Throughout the book the presentation builds from first principles and eschews unnecessary complexity. Most importantly, the discussion is thoroughly and consistently anchored in real social science applications, with more than 80 research-based illustrations woven into the text and featured in end-of-chapter exercises. Students and researchers alike will find this first-of-its-kind volume to be an invaluable resource."--BOOK JACKET.

Rooted in a pedagogically successful problem-solving approach to linear algebra, the present work fills a gap in the literature that is sharply divided between elementary texts and books that are too advanced to appeal to a wide audience. It clearly develops the theoretical foundations of vector spaces, linear equations, matrix algebra, eigenvectors, and orthogonality, while simultaneously emphasizing applications and connections to fields such as biology, economics, computer graphics, electrical engineering, cryptography, and political science. Ideal as an introduction to linear algebra, the extensive exercises and well-chosen applications also make this text suitable for advanced courses at the junior or senior undergraduate level. Furthermore, it can serve as a colorful supplementary problem book, reference, or self-study manual for professional scientists and mathematicians. Complete with bibliography and index, "Essential Linear Algebra with Applications" is a natural bridge between pure and applied mathematics and the natural and social sciences, appropriate for any student or researcher who needs a strong footing in the theory, problem-solving, and model-building that are the subject’s hallmark.

Basic Algebra and Advanced Algebra systematically develop concepts and tools in algebra that are vital to every mathematician, whether pure or applied, aspiring or established. Together, the two books give the reader a global view of algebra and its role in mathematics as a whole. The presentation includes blocks of problems that introduce additional topics and applications to science and engineering to guide further study. Many examples and hundreds of problems are included, along with a separate 90-page section giving hints or complete solutions for most of the problems.

Provides structure and guidance to the teacher by means of speed drills, review exercises, teacher tips, word problems and new material for each day.