This introduction to linear algebra by world-renowned mathematician Peter Lax is unique in its emphasis on the analytical aspects of the subject as well as its numerous applications. The book grew out of Dr. Lax's course notes for the linear algebra classes he teaches at New York University. Geared to graduate students as well as advanced undergraduates, it assumes only limited knowledge of linear algebra and avoids subjects already heavily treated in other textbooks. And while it discusses linear equations, matrices, determinants, and vector spaces, it also in-cludes a number of exciting topics that are not covered elsewhere, such as eigenvalues, the Hahn-Banach theorem, geometry, game theory, and numerical analysis.

The first four chapters are devoted to the abstract structure of finite dimensional vector spaces. Subsequent chapters deal with determinants as a blend of geometry, algebra, and general spectral theory. Euclidean structure is used to explain the notion of selfadjoint mappings and their spectral theory. Dr. Lax moves on to the calculus of vector and matrix valued functions of a single variable—a neglected topic in most undergraduate programs—and presents matrix inequalities from a variety of perspectives.

Fundamentals—including duality, linear mappings, and matrices

Determinant, trace, and spectral theory

Euclidean structure and the spectral theory of selfadjoint maps

Calculus of vector and matrix valued functions

Matrix inequalities

Kinematics and dynamics

Convexity and the duality theorem

Normed linear spaces, linear mappings between normed spaces, and positive matrices

Iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations

Eight appendices devoted to important related topics, including special determinants, Pfaff's theorem, symplectic matrices, tensor product, lattices, fast matrix multiplication, Gershgorin's theorem, and multiplicity of eigenvalues

Later chapters cover convexity and the duality theorem, describe the basics of normed linear spaces and linear maps between normed spaces, and discuss the dominant eigenvalue of matrices whose entries are positive or merely non-negative. The final chapter is devoted to numerical methods and describes Lanczos' procedure for inverting a symmetric, positive definite matrix. Eight appendices cover important topics that do not fit into the main thread of the book.

Clear, concise, and superbly organized, Linear Algebra is an excellent text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and also serves as a handy professional reference.

Peter D. Lax 当代最杰出的数学家之一，世界数学界最高荣誉阿贝尔奖（2005年）和沃尔夫奖（1987年）得主。他是美国科学院院士，并于1986年荣获美国国家科技 奖章。Lax生于匈牙利，自1958年开始就一直在美国纽约大学从事教学与研究工作，曾担任柯朗数学研究所所长。他在纯数学与应用数学的诸多领域都有卓越 的建树，影响深远。同时，他一生致力于数学教育，独立撰写或与他人合著教材20多部，阿贝尔奖颁奖辞如此评价他：“他的著作、他对教育事业付出的毕生心血 以及他在培养年轻一代数学家时体现出的孜孜不倦的精神，在世界数学领域留下了不可磨灭的影响。