Linear Algebra: A Course for Physicists and Engineers

Description

In order not to intimidate students by a too abstract approach, this textbook on linear algebra is written to be easy to digest by non-mathematicians. It introduces the concepts of vector spaces and mappings between them without dwelling on statements such as theorems and proofs too much. It is also designed to be self-contained, so no other material is required for an understanding of the topics covered. As the basis for courses on space and atmospheric science, remote sensing, geographic information systems, meteorology, climate and satellite communications at UN-affiliated regional centers, various applications of the formal theory are discussed as well. These include differential equations, statistics, optimization and some engineering-motivated problems in physics. Contents Vectors Matrices Determinants Eigenvalues and eigenvectors Some applications of matrices and determinants Matrix series and additional properties of matrices Designed for students in engineering and physics in mind: related applications are included. Proven by more than 20 years of teaching at institutions s.a. UN-affiliated Regional Centres for Space Science and Technology Education. Self-contained. Preface Acknowledgement Contents List of Symbols 1. Vectors 2. Matrices 3. Determinants 4. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors 5. Some applications of matrices and determinants 6. Matrix series and additional properties of matrices References Index