Linear algebra is relatively easy for students during the early stages of the course, when the material is presented in a familiar, concrete setting. But when abstract concepts are introduced, students often hit a brick wall. Instructors seem to agree that certain concepts (such as linear independence, spanning, subspace, vector space, and linear transformations), are not easily understood, and require time to assimilate. Since they are fundamental to the study of linear algebra, students’ understanding of these concepts is vital to their mastery of the subject. David Lay introduces these concepts early in a familiar, concrete Rⁿ setting, develops them gradually, and returns to them again and again throughout the text so that when discussed in the abstract, these concepts are more accessible.

This 4th Edition of Linear Algebra and Its Applications, authored by David C. Lay, is designed to help students navigate the transition from concrete to abstract concepts. The book includes 576 pages and was published on January 20, 2011, by Pearson. It has an ISBN-13 of 978-0321385178 and an ISBN-10 of 0321385179. The physical dimensions are 8 x 1.1 x 9.9 inches. Note that this is the standalone book, and if you need the access card for MyMathLab along with the textbook, order the package with ISBN 0321399145.