Textbook Information for Math 309, Sections 1 and 2 (Matrix Algebra), fall 2012
Linear Algebra and Its
Applications/4E, by David C. Lay (4th edition), ISBN-13: 9780321385178
Study Guide, by David C. Lay and Judith McDonald: ISBN 0321388836 (a student's study guide to accompany the textbook) The textbook is very well-written and is a must-read to accompany the lectures. For mathematical content, the 4th edition is not much different from the 3rd edition. But as is usually the case, homework problems change in new editions (new numbering, some new problems). So you will need access to the 4th edition to get the correct problems for the homework assignments. I asked the Campus Bookstore to order a "bundle" that contains both the textbook and the Study Guide. It is not essential to have the Study Guide.
However, according to the publisher, the cost of the bundle to the
Bookstore was only $2.50 (before bookstore mark-up) more than the textbook sold separately.
I've looked at the Study Guide and I think it can be very useful if you use it consistently. . The Bookstore will probably have used copies of the text available; there may also be a text "rental" option. If you don't buy the "bundle" at the Bookstore, then you could consider sharing a copy of the Study Guide with a friend. This link takes you to some author-provided Review Sheets and Practice Exams. You might find them useful for review. They are keyed to the 3rd edition of the text so you need to be a bit careful about whether the sections correspond exactly with the 4th edition: but, in any case, they're close. There's no guarantee that our exams will be "like" the practice exams there, but the problems still make for a good review. In addition, they also clue you in to what the author thinks is important. Questions? Professor Ron Freiwald |