I want to learn linear algebra on my own,is it possible?

Question

I can stay at home for 3-4 weeks.I don't have other things to do,I am considering learning some linear algebra on my own.
Is it possible?easy?
is the time enough?

I downloaded a book from http://www.math.miami.edu/~ec/book/

it's copyrighted but free

I have learned Calculus before.
er..I don't know the real difference between abstract algebra and linear algebra.
I used to think they are associated?

Answer 1

You can certainly give yourself a foundation on the subject and I absolutely recommend it, although I do not know if I would recommend the book you are trying to use. It is quite tough.
I recommend Linear Algebra by Howard Anton (buy it if you have to, it is really good). It will be a much simpler read.
Good for you that you are getting ahead. My dad always advised me on this but I never realized the importance till I got to university. Great initiative.
EDIT: I do not know if you can finish the whole course in the time, but you can certainly give yourself a head start, thus allowing you to perform better and get even more ahead when you come to take the course.
Another book which has some linear algebra explained nicely in it (only as a subtopic) is advanced calculus by Greenberg.
Schaum's outline is a good supplement, but I recommend you start with Howard Anton

Answer 2

I don't think you can do it, even with help, in 3-4 weeks. This is not a simple subject as some of the other answerers have implied. You would need more than just the book you downloaded to fully grasp linear algebra.

But I'd be happy to have you prove me wrong. If you give it a go, let me know how you are progressing. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I noticed that the approach is more on the Abstract Algebra. (As it can still be interpreted as part of that anyway.) This linear algebra is more of what mathematicians will study, and less of what an engineer would want to learn as basic.

It does not deal much with the procedural approach on how to solve things involving matrices or vectors. Is this what you want? Are you mathematically prepared for this? Had you some abstract algebra background?

Sorry, I answered your questions with more questions. Mainly because I do not know your mathematical skills. Good refresher thing for me anyway. Thanks.

Edit: Yeah, I went to the intro page before the d/l.
"This is a foundational textbook on abstract algebra with emphasis on linear algebra. You may download parts of the book or the entire textbook for free."
Thus, it is more of abstract alg than linear alg.

Edit2:
Abstract Algebra deals with properties of certain field or groups of numbers (not just field of real numbers!)
Linear Algebra (at least for those specializing in engineering) deals most often with manipulations in matrices and vectors and certain properties of those. With mathematicians, you can get a glimpse of how they do linear algebra if you continue with the book. (You will get dizzy.)

It is my suggestion that you concentrate on the earlier chapters (chap 5 is the linear alg.) and focus your attention on the properties of fields and groups. Then you can understand what Abstract Algebra is. (Linear Algebra here is not easy.)

I said the last part because you mentioned that you cannot yet differentiate Abs from Lin Alg. It tells me you have no idea with any of them yet. Then just concetrate on the Abstract Algebra of the book, as of now.

Answer 4

Linear algebra is pretty simple... it's mostly matrices. As long as you get the basics down, understand matrices and can use a good calculator, you should be good to go.

Answer 5

If you ask me it really depends in how well you learn and how fast. The book will help.

Answer 6

yes it's possible in that time, just keep going!!! write me back for help