Linear Algebra An Introduction to Abstract Mathematics [Paperback]

Based on lectures given at Claremont McKenna College, this text constitutes a substantial, abstract introduction to linear algebra. The presentation emphasizes the structural elements over the computational - for example by connecting matrices to linear transformations from the outset - and prepares the student for further study of abstract mathematics. Uniquely among algebra texts at this level, it introduces group theory early in the discussion, as an example of the rigorous development of informal axiomatic systems.Based on lectures given at Claremont McKenna College, this text constitutes a substantial, abstract introduction to linear algebra. The presentation emphasizes the structural elements over the computational - for example by connecting matrices to linear transformations from the outset - and prepares the student for further study of abstract mathematics. Uniquely among algebra texts at this level, it introduces group theory early in the discussion, as an example of the rigorous development of informal axiomatic systems.1 Sets and Functions.- 1.1 Notation and Terminology.- 1.2 Composition of Functions.- 1.3 Inverse Functions.- 1.4 Digression on Cardinality.- 1.5 Permutations.- Exercises.- 2 Groups and Group Homomorphisms.- 2.1 Groups and Subgroups.- 2.2 Group Homomorphisms.- 2.3 Rings and Fields.- Exercises.- 3 Vector Spaces and Linear Transformations.- 3.1 Vector Spaces and Subspaces.- 3.2 Linear Transformations.- 3.3 Direct Products and Internal Direct Sums.- Exercises.- 4 Dimension.- 4.1 Bases and Dimension.- 4.2 Vector Spaces Are Free.- 4.3 Rank and Nullity.- Exercises.- 5 Matrices.- 5.1 Notation and Terminology.- 5.2 Introduction to Linear Systems.- 5.3 Solution Techniques.- 5.4 Multiple Systems and Matrix Inversion.- Exercises.- 6 Representation of Linear Transformations.- 6.1 The Space of Linear Transformations.- 6.2 The Representation of Hom(kn,km).- 6.3 The Representation of Hom(V,V).- 6.4 The Dual Space.- 6.5 Change of Basis.- Exercises.- 7 Inl3