PART B

Linear Algebra.
Vector Calculus
CH APT ER 7 Linear Algebra: Matrices, Vectors, Determinants. Linear Systems
C H A P T E R 8 Linear Algebra: Matrix Eigenvalue Problems
C H A P T E R 9 Vector Differential Calculus. Grad, Div, Curl
C H A P T E R 1 0 Vector Integral Calculus. Integral Theorems

Matrices and vectors, which underlie linear algebra (Chaps. 7 and 8), allow us to represent
numbers or functions in an ordered and compact form. Matrices can hold enormous amounts
of data—think of a network of millions of computer connections or cell phone connections—
in a form that can be rapidly processed by computers. The main topic of Chap. 7 is how
to solve systems of linear equations using matrices. Concepts of rank, basis, linear
transformations, and vector spaces are closely related. Chapter 8 deals with eigenvalue
problems. Linear algebra is an active field that has many applications in engineering
physics, numerics (see Chaps. 20–22), economics, and others.

Chapters 9 and 10 extend calculus to vector calculus. We start with vectors from linear
algebra and develop vector differential calculus. We differentiate functions of several
variables and discuss vector differential operations such as grad, div, and curl. Chapter 10
extends regular integration to integration over curves, surfaces, and solids, thereby
obtaining new types of integrals. Ingenious theorems by Gauss, Green, and Stokes allow
us to transform these integrals into one another.

Software suitable for linear algebra (Lapack, Maple, Mathematica, Matlab) can be found
in the list at the opening of Part E of the book if needed.

Numeric linear algebra (Chap. 20) can be studied directly after Chap. 7 or 8 because
Chap. 20 is independent of the other chapters in Part E on numerics.

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