Linear Algebra 6th Edition by Gilbert Strang - Any Good or Overpriced

Summary

In this video, the host reviews Gilbert Strang's 'Introduction to Linear Algebra, 6th Edition', noting its intuitive approach and modern topics like optimization and data learning. Despite its high price of $80, the book is praised for its clarity and focus on fundamental understanding. However, the lack of solutions and the absence of a paperback version are criticized. The reviewer suggests considering previous editions or international versions for better value.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video reviews Gilbert Strang's 'Introduction to Linear Algebra 6th Edition', a recently released book.
• 💸 The book is priced at around $80 on Amazon, which the reviewer finds excessively high for a linear algebra book.
• 📈 The book's contents cover a range of topics including vectors, matrices, solving linear equations, subspaces, orthogonality, determinants, eigenvalues, singular value decomposition, linear transformations, optimization, and learning from data.
• 📖 The reviewer prefers books that start with systems of linear equations and then move on to determinants and vectors, which is not the order in this book.
• 👨‍🎓 The book is written with the student in mind, focusing on intuition and understanding, but does not include solutions to problems.
• 📉 The 6th edition has removed some content from the 5th edition and moved it to the web, yet the price remains the same.
• 📘 The book is only available in hardback, which the reviewer finds less desirable and more expensive than a paperback option.
• 💻 The book includes applications to the sciences and some tips for using Matlab, which are appreciated by the reviewer.
• 📊 The author, Gilbert Strang, is known for his intuitive approach to explaining complex mathematical concepts.
• 🚫 The reviewer does not recommend the book for those already familiar with the subject or for those seeking a rigorous mathematical text due to its high price and lack of solutions.
• 🌟 The book is highly regarded and the reviewer finds it deserving of its reputation, appreciating its clear and concise explanations.

Q & A

What is the title of the book discussed in the script?

The title of the book discussed is 'Introduction to Linear Algebra' by Gilbert Strang.

What is the edition of the book mentioned in the script?

The edition of the book mentioned is the 6th Edition.

How much did the book cost on Amazon according to the script?

The book cost about 80 dollars on Amazon.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the price of the book?

The reviewer finds the price of the book to be very high and not worth it, especially considering there are no solutions provided and the book is not exceptionally lengthy.

What is the reviewer's preference for the order of topics in a linear algebra book?

The reviewer prefers books that discuss systems of linear equations first, then move into determinants and vectors, and then into vector spaces.

What does the reviewer appreciate about the book's preface?

The reviewer appreciates that the book's preface includes mathematical content, which he believes indicates that the book is written with the student in mind and is user-friendly.

What is the reviewer's stance on the book not including solutions?

The reviewer is not a fan of the book not including solutions, as it means readers will have to look online for resources to check their work.

What type of student does the reviewer think would benefit most from this book?

The reviewer thinks that students in computer science, engineering, or physics would benefit most from this book due to its focus on intuition.

What does the reviewer like about the way the book is written?

The reviewer likes that the book is intuitive, has a good balance of text and math, and includes applications to the sciences to facilitate understanding.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the book's coverage of eigenvalues and eigenvectors?

The reviewer is impressed with how straightforward and direct the book is in explaining eigenvalues and eigenvectors.

What does the reviewer think about the book's price in relation to its content?

The reviewer thinks the book's price is obnoxiously high and does not warrant an 80 dollar asking price, considering the content and the lack of solutions.