Interactive Linear Algebra
Published on 1. April 2026
212 pages
978-1-040-58890-1 (ISBN)
Description
Interactive Linear Algebra and its associated software are course materials for introductory linear algebra. The software consists of around 75 (and growing) highly visual online apps that are fully self-contained. Immersed in each app, students make problem-solving decisions in real time, while the software handles routine, low-level calculations to show the outcome of each decision. Students are unencumbered by tedious "pencil and paper" calculations that STEM professionals haven't used for decades, and focus on rapid problem-solving skills. Traditional exercises involving technology simply refer students to "black box" computational software, while the Interactive Linear Algebra software keeps students fully engaged in the mathematical processes they are learning. This engagement leads to better retention of problem-solving strategies and deeper mathematical insight.
Interactive Linear Algebra includes standard introductory topics from basic matrix algebra to Singular Value Decomposition. The development of these topics is mathematically rigorous, but the proofs are often inspired by mathematical insights that are imbued by the software. This strategy allows instructors to choose an emphasis on formal proofs that matches the learning objectives of their course.
Covers all standard topics in basic linear algebra in a mathematically rigorous way.
Permits a broad range of emphasis on mathematical logic and proofs.
Allows students to carry out problem-solving steps in real time via immersive apps that handle routine arithmetic and immediately provide the numerical outcome of each student's decisions.
Promotes retention of problem-solving strategies and mathematical insight.
Avoids the need for computational software training in class.
Saves significant class time, replacing tedious hand-calculations by instructors with brief demonstrations of the self-contained apps.
Interactive Linear Algebra is intended for use in introductory linear algebra courses for students pursuing STEM degrees. The text allows any level of emphasis on mathematical rigor, from light treatment to a formal introduction to mathematical proofs.
The software, including demos, is available at https://themathatlas.com/
Interactive Linear Algebra includes standard introductory topics from basic matrix algebra to Singular Value Decomposition. The development of these topics is mathematically rigorous, but the proofs are often inspired by mathematical insights that are imbued by the software. This strategy allows instructors to choose an emphasis on formal proofs that matches the learning objectives of their course.
Covers all standard topics in basic linear algebra in a mathematically rigorous way.
Permits a broad range of emphasis on mathematical logic and proofs.
Allows students to carry out problem-solving steps in real time via immersive apps that handle routine arithmetic and immediately provide the numerical outcome of each student's decisions.
Promotes retention of problem-solving strategies and mathematical insight.
Avoids the need for computational software training in class.
Saves significant class time, replacing tedious hand-calculations by instructors with brief demonstrations of the self-contained apps.
Interactive Linear Algebra is intended for use in introductory linear algebra courses for students pursuing STEM degrees. The text allows any level of emphasis on mathematical rigor, from light treatment to a formal introduction to mathematical proofs.
The software, including demos, is available at https://themathatlas.com/
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
2 Tables, black and white; 2 Line drawings, black and white; 2 Illustrations, black and white
File size
7,80 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-58890-1 (9781040588901)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Conrad Plaut
Interactive Linear Algebra
Book
04/2026
1st Edition
CRC Press
€82.20
Shipment within 15-20 days
Conrad Plaut
Interactive Linear Algebra
Book
04/2026
1st Edition
CRC Press
€211.40
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Conrad Plaut is a mathematics professor and former department head at the University of Tennessee. He earned his BA from Guilford College in Mathematics and English, after which he accepted a Fulbright Scholarship to study in Zagreb, Croatia. Plaut earned his PhD in Mathematics from the University of Maryland. At the University of Tennessee he has taught more than two dozen different courses, from freshman calculus to graduate topics courses. Plaut has been awarded over $1.7 million in grants and awards, primarily from the National Science Foundation, to support his mathematical research, conferences he has co-organized, and programs he has organized for students. The latter include a scholarship program for students from the Appalachian region majoring in math and computer science, a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, and the University of Tennessee Math Honors Program, for which he served as founding director. Plaut has given around 70 research talks in 11 countries, and has over 700 citations to his research papers (source: Google Scholar).
Content
1. Matrices and Matrix Algebra. 2. Systems of Linear Equations and Matrices. 3. The Determinant. 4. Euclidean Vector Spaces. 5. Vector Spaces. 6. Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces. 7. Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors.
