# How should I approach the study of Linear Algebra?

I'm a second-year college student having just previously finished calculus (derivatives and integrals, we never really got too far into multivariable calculus though we briefly went over some Taylor Series stuff) and I'm taking Linear Algebra right now.

I'm extremely confused, for a couple of reasons.

The first reason I'm confused in the course is because I've never studied math correctly. I've done the bare minimum (memorize the steps to solve a problem type) to pass tests, I forget the steps right after the test, and I have never ever understood the reasons for the concepts I've learned in mathematics.

The second reason is because of the way I learn. I too often interpret concepts visually and desire concrete and literal visualizations, and I demand learning from the top-down. I've always been so frustrated that the way I've been taught - I argue the way most students have been taught - is from the bottom up: teaching one section at a time, with each concept seemingly isolated from each other, with each concept not fitting into a larger big picture, and then saying we "learned" . I'm not able to keep anything this way because I don't understand its context, its relation to other concepts that I've learned (that I will most likely soon forget anyhow), and the bigger picture in math of why this specific concept's invention was necessary. I can't tell you what a unit circle is for (other than passing corresponding set of problem types). I can look at a problem type and tell you it's familiar and look up how to "solve" this problem type, but I'm completely oblivious of any real mathematics.

I tried searching for a sane introductory description of Linear Algebra. All I can ascertain is that many problems in many fields of life and the sciences are discretely solved (broken-up, or simplified) by using linear algebra. But I don't really know what this means. Why was it invented? When I open up a book of Linear Algebra, I can't concretely/literally connect the first chapter on linear combinations (for example). Sure, if I looked a bit more, I could tell you how linear combinations might be connected to concept X... but X? How is concept X to linear algebra? And so on. These chain of relations form ... and I've never had a strong foundation to begin with. I can't digest or keep any information I've learned when I don't have a big picture overview of where to 'store' and 'process' the concepts I'm learning. Problem sets are specific to these mystery concepts, and again, I'm just memorizing steps to pass an exam. And then when I see fancy math language (proof language), it just makes me feel like I'm missing something obviously and grandly important.

Given these problems, could someone please explain how and why my approach is incorrect, where it's going to lead me (e.g. "I've seen many students take this path and they always end up..."), and how real mathematicians approach the study of not just Linear Algebra, but mathematics in general?

Edit: My major is Computer Science, and I am not looking to pursue mathematics professionally at the present time, but it seems awfully useful and I might want to minor in it.

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You've asked a slightly complicated question, in the sense that a full answer is beyond the scope of what this site typically provides. On the other hand, it sounds like you really want a more conceptual picture... –  Erik G. Jan 22 '13 at 12:39
Here is a history blurb: darkwing.uoregon.edu/~vitulli/441.sp04/LinAlgHistory.html and here is some applications: people.vcu.edu/~dcranston/310/use.pdf –  Erik G. Jan 22 '13 at 12:47
there is a post here about self-study that contains references you might find helpful, math.stackexchange.com/questions/192552/… –  Erik G. Jan 22 '13 at 13:41

Here are some suggestions that may help.

$\bullet$ How to self study Linear Algebra. See my response and the other responses.

Study Habits from Math Stack Exchange

Free Resources

$\bullet$ MIT Open Course Ware. You can also find others at other universities and these have free course notes and video lectures.

$\bullet$ Khan Academy.

$\bullet$ Wiki Books Linear Algebra Resources

$\bullet$ Linear Algebra for Communications: A gentle introduction. I would study this to give you context!

$\bullet$ College Libraries: Peruse the books in the library and see if any fit the style you like.

Book Recommendations

$\bullet$ Linear Algebra Through Geometry, Thomas Banchoff, John Wermer (since you are visual)

$\bullet$ Practical Linear Algebra: A Geometry Toolbox, Gerald Farin, Dianne Hansford (since you are visual)

$\bullet$ Linear Algebra Done Right, Sheldon Axler

$\bullet$ Linear Algebra and Its Applications, David C. Lay

Problem Books

It is very helpful to do problems and practice, practice, practice to reinforce concepts!

$\bullet$ Linear Algebra Problem Book, Paul R. Halmos

$\bullet$ The Linear Algebra a Beginning Graduate Student Ought to Know, Jonathan Golan.

$\bullet$ 3,000 Solved Problems in Linear Algebra, Seymour Lipschutz

$\bullet$ Schaum's Outline of Linear Algebra Fourth Edition, Seymour Lipschutz, Marc Lipson

History of Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra History Websites

Regards

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Look at that list! You went all out! $\;\large +1^+ \;\checkmark^\checkmark\;$ –  amWhy May 7 '13 at 0:31
@amWhy: I actually wish we could have a generic pointer to lists of recommended books - since those questions pop up so frequently. There are other things I could add to make it even more complete. Thanks –  Amzoti May 7 '13 at 0:38