Why is linear algebra so hard for me?

The difficulty is that linear algebra is mostly about understanding terms and definitions, and determining which calculation is needed to arrive at the intended answer. A student in the “calculus” mindset of performing calculations without thinking about why they are doing them will have a very difficult time.

Is Linear Algebra interesting?

I never really seriously studied it because I hated it so much in high school. But when you get to studying bilinear forms, matrix groups, Lie theory etc it just becomes… fun. There’s so much you can do and it’s such an important and versatile part of mathematics.

Is Linear Algebra worth learning?

Linear algebra is vital in multiple areas of science in general. Because linear equations are so easy to solve, practically every area of modern science contains models where equations are approximated by linear equations (using Taylor expansion arguments) and solving for the system helps the theory develop.

Is linear algebra just proofs?

Linear Algebra, on the other hand, is where you make the abrupt transition from working lots of problems to actually doing math – proving theorems, i.e. Linear Algebra courses tend to be proof based courses.

Should I take Calc 3 or linear algebra?

If you are a math major: As an entering student, you will probably go into Calculus II, then Linear Algebra, followed by Calculus III. Or perhaps Calculus III followed by Linear Algebra. Honors Calculus III and Honors Linear Algebra should definitely be enough preparation for both courses.

Is it normal to struggle with linear algebra?

Research shows that linear algebra is not an easy course to teach to first year university science and mathematics students. Around the world many students struggle to grasp the ideas in linear algebra, which although they may appear simple, are very powerful, with inner depth.

Why should I study linear algebra?

Linear algebra is your ticket to multidimensional space. Study it if you are into economics, computer graphics, physics, chemistry, statistics or anything quantitative (in today’s world, that’s everything).

What is the difference between linear algebra and vector spaces?

More specifically, in mathematics, linear algebra has, of course, its use in abstract algebra ; vector spaces arise in many different areas of algebra such as group theory, ring theory, module theory, representation theory, Galois theory, and much more.

What is the difference between linear algebra and functional analysis?

Outside of algebra, a big part of analysis, called functional analysis, is actually the infinite-dimensional version of linear algebra. In infinite dimension, most of the finite-dimension theorems break down in a very interesting way ; some of our intuition is preserved, but most of it breaks down.