Page 2 - Elementary_Linear_Algebra_with_Applications_Anton__9_edition

PREFACE

This textbook is an expanded version of Elementary Linear Algebra, Ninth Edition, by Howard Anton. The first ten chapters of
this book are identical to the first ten chapters of that text; the eleventh chapter consists of 21 applications of linear algebra
drawn from business, economics, engineering, physics, computer science, approximation theory, ecology, sociology,
demography, and genetics. The applications are, with one exception, independent of one another and each comes with a list of
mathematical prerequisites. Thus, each instructor has the flexibility to choose those applications that are suitable for his or her
students and to incorporate each application anywhere in the course after the mathematical prerequisites have been satisfied.

This edition of Elementary Linear Algebra, like those that have preceded it, gives an elementary treatment of linear algebra that
is suitable for students in their freshman or sophomore year. The aim is to present the fundamentals of linear algebra in the
clearest possibleway; pedagogy is the main consideration. Calculus is not a prerequisite, but there are clearly labeled exercises
and examples for students who have studied calculus. Those exercises can be omitted without loss of continuity. Technology is
also not required, but for those who would like to use MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, or calculators with linear algebra
capabilities, exercises have been included at the ends of the chapters that allow for further exploration of that chapter's
contents.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES
IN THIS EDITION

This edition contains organizational changes and additional material suggested by users of the text. Most of the text is
unchanged. The entire text has been reviewed for accuracy, typographical errors, and areas where the exposition could be
improved or additional examples are needed. The following changes have been made:

Section 6.5 has been split into two sections: Section 6.5 Change of Basis and Section 6.6 Orthogonal Matrices. This
allows for sharper focus on each topic.

A new Section 4.4 Spaces of Polynomials has been added to further smooth the transition to general linear
transformations, and a new Section 8.6 Isomorphisms has been added to provide explicit coverage of this topic.

Chapter 2 has been reorganized by switching Section 2.1 with Section 2.4. The cofactor expansion approach to
determinants is now covered first and the combinatorial approach is now at the end of the chapter.

Additional exercises, including Discussion and Discovery, Supplementary, and Technology exercises, have been added
throughout the text.

In response to instructors' requests, the number of exercises that have answers in the back of the book has been reduced
considerably.

The page design has been modified to enhance the readability of the text.

A new section on the earliest applications of linear algebra has been added to Chapter 11. This section shows how linear
equations were used to solve practical problems in ancient Egypt, Babylonia, Greece, China, and India.