Visual Linear Algebra

Following an innovative approach to learning, this text integrates paper and pencil skill building and the theoretical development of ideas with geometric exploration and conceptual understanding. Containing tutorials and traditional text, "Visual Linear Algebra" covers the topics in a standard one semester introductory linear algebra course in forty seven sections arranged in eight chapters. In each chapter, some sections are written in a traditional textbook style and some are tutorials designed to be worked through using either Maple or Mathematica. About the tutorials: Each tutorial is a self contained treatment of a core topic or application of linear algebra that a student can work through with minimal assistance from an instructor. The thirty tutorials are provided on the accompanying CD both as Maple worksheets and as Mathematica notebooks. They also appear in print as sections of the textbook. Geometry is used extensively to help students develop their intuition about the concepts of linear algebra. Applications: Students benefit greatly from working through an application, if the application captures their interest and the materials give them substantial activities that yield worthwhile results. Ten carefully selected applications have been developed and an entire tutorial is devoted to each of them. Active Learning: To encourage students to be active learners, the tutorials have been designed to engage and retain their interest. The exercises, demonstrations, explorations, visualizations, and animations are designed to stimulate students' interest, encourage them to think clearly about the mathematics they are working through, and help them check their comprehension.