Any mathematics course can instill dread on behalf of the student. Since students taking linear algebra courses often come from different backgrounds and majors, instructors need to find linear algebra textbooks that suit the classroom correctly. Popular textbooks at leading universities provide an excellent start to find textbooks for college algebra classes.

Selecting Linear Algebra College Textbooks

Introductory courses in linear algebra are for math majors, statistics majors, students in the sciences, and those from the social sciences. Advanced linear algebra classes typically consist of math and statistics majors. The differences in these courses mean that both applied and concrete versions of textbooks may be suitable for introductory courses, depending on the audience. Advanced courses focus on pure mathematics, but the courses do have some application perspective depending on the textbook.

Introductory Linear Algebra Textbooks

Gilbert Strang, a renowned mathematician, has two introductory textbooks with an emphasis on applied math. Professors at USC and The University of Chicago use Linear Algebra and Its Applications (2006), 4th edition, for students from different disciplines taking a course in linear algebra, as it concentrates on concepts and theory over pure mathematics. Stranga€™s other book, Introduction to Linear Algebra (2016), 5th edition, is a more technical version that includes chapters on probability and statistics (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NYU, Boston University, Case Western Reserve, and MIT). Instructors at the University of Virginia, Rice, Brandeis, Washington University, Boston University and Northwestern prefer Linear Algebra and Its Applications, by David Lay, for an applied introductory approach that integrates abstract concepts like linear transformations and vector matrices. Some professors at Rice, Brandeis, and Washington University opt for Algebra and Its Applications, Global Edition, by David Lay for students to work with examples using the metric system, which is especially helpful for students in the sciences.

Advanced Linear Algebra Textbooks

Algebra (Classic Version) (2017) by Michael Artin is a popular pick at top schools like NYU, USC, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard, and MIT. As one of the most popular advanced textbooks, Artina€™s classic text works for advanced undergraduate math majors and graduate students. It is easy to understand and focuses primarily on algebraic operations over abstract linear concepts. Linear Algebra Done Right (2014) by Sheldon Axler is popular with math majors at Stanford, Washington University, and MIT for a second linear algebra course. It focuses on abstract concepts with an emphasis on matrices and proofs. Abstract Algebra (2003), 3rd edition, by David Dumit and Richard Foote (used at Stanford, Yale, and Harvard) is heavy on theory and proofs, making it a rigorous addition for graduate courses and advanced undergraduates. Numerical Linear Algebra (1997) by Lloyd N. Trefethen and David Bau III (popular at RPI, Rice, and Brandeis University) presents lessons in a lecturing format perfect for instructors who want to integrate a textbook directly into the instruction. The book has a heavy emphasis on algorithms for students interested in data analysis careers.

Instructors face choices on linear algebra textbooks depending on the level and audience of the class. Leading universities choose different books based on these assumptions. Starting with an understanding of the objectives of the class can help instructors narrow down the textbook search.