Operation teach myself linear algebra

[MoJingly]

By recommendation of one of my interviewers, operation "teach myself linear algebra" is about to begin. I want to get to the point where I can use Matlab and equivalents without having to rely on help from engineers for every little thing.

I am planning on doing MIT's open course on linear algebra. I did my undergrad in music so this should be fun!

Will this be the death of me? Any advice? Similar situations? Shared misery?

[nhyn]

I guess it'll provide you the foundation, but I've been self-teaching (with extensive tutoring from my computer engineer genius bf) Matlab without having to refer to high school textbooks for linear algebra (we did a bit of that in high school in my country). In programming there's no better way to learn than just do it and make a shitload of mistakes.

Sorry that doesn't answer your question at all

[DrPepper-olic]

I initiated operation "teach myself real analysis" for similar reasons.

I took linear algebra under circumstances similar to yours. I had only taken calculus 1 and 2, about 5 years earlier, but needed to know linear algebra to understand graduate-level economics. I was able to enroll in a course at my university, but I received almost no benefit from it. (1) The professor's accent was so thick no one could understand her. (I think she was aware of this because she did teach using power point. To date that is the only math course I have taken that used power point for the lecture notes.) Everyone in the class used the slide printouts and old tests to learn the material. (2) I ordered my textbook online and it turned out to be in Chinese. I supplemented the lecture notes (which were mainly proofs) with Wikipedia. In the end, I got a B in the course. (Booo! Why didn't I do my homework?!) Considering that I was still a little punk back then, and that I was always lost during the lectures, I'm still sort of amazed that I remember what I learned. I'm also still a little resentful that I didn't have the option of taking the course online.

I think learning linear algebra using the MIT open course will be fine. The majority of linear algebra is either straightforward or something to be memorized. The trickiest parts of linear algebra come from the proofs, but you probably won't need to memorize any proofs to use Matlab or other software.

You are welcome to PM me if you come across any sample problems you can't work. I'm in a linear algebra-based course right now so the practice is welcome. (After all, I do want to teach this stuff one day. )

[eat.climb.love]

By recommendation of one of my interviewers, operation "teach myself linear algebra" is about to begin. I want to get to the point where I can use Matlab and equivalents without having to rely on help from engineers for every little thing.

I am planning on doing MIT's open course on linear algebra. I did my undergrad in music so this should be fun!

Will this be the death of me? Any advice? Similar situations? Shared misery?

Some supplements to MIT's course:

This guy got me through college math! His notes are great. http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/LinAlg/LinAlg.aspx

I also recommend getting this book but I bet you can find it for a better price!: http://www.amazon.com/Linear-Algebra-Problem-Solver-Solvers/dp/0878915184

[MoJingly]

Yay! Thanks guys! This is going to be a fun time. Linear algebra party at my place!

[queller]

You won't die.

If your looking for other books to reference the Schaum's Outline series is rather good, and often used by engineers to learn things. I believe they have a book on Linear Algebra.

I am working on improving my matlab skills as well, as it has been a few years. Beyond the mathworks documentation I have found putting commands along with the word examples in google search to be productive. Also the new edition of matlab should be out soon so I would wait until it comes out to purchase the student edition if you plan to do so.

Good luck.

[was1984]

This book is very good to supplement your OCW stuff, and it's really cheap.

http://www.amazon.com/Linear-Algebra-Silverman-Richard-Translator/dp/048663518X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299441888&sr=1-1

In fact, if you want to learn any math related subject, consider this series of old books that have been republished by Dover. They are old, but basic mathematics doesn't really change much, and they are considered to be among the best texts in their respective topics.

[joenobody0]

I like "Linear Algebra Done Right" by Axler. I second the Schaum's guides as well. They tend to be fairly basic, but almost always provide the most gentle and complete introduction possible. Depending on how deeply you wish to learn, Schaum's might be all you require.

[CC139]

Have you tried the courses at www.khanacademy.org? It is free and I am sure there is a course or two on linear algebra. The dude that teaches them is awesome!