Preface

Summary

In the 1999 film The Matrix, there is the following interchange between Neo and Trinity.

Neo: What is the Matrix?

Trinity: The answer is out there, Neo, and it's looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to.

As an applied mathematician specializing in linear algebra, I see many applications of linear systems in the world. From computer graphics to data analytics, linear algebra is useful and powerful. So, to me, a matrix, connected to an application, is indeed out there–waiting, in a certain sense, to be formed. When you find it, you can create compelling computer graphics or gain insight on real world phenomenon.

This book is meant to engage high schoolers through professors of mathematics in applications of linear algebra. The book teaches enough linear algebra to dive into applications. If someone wanted to know more, a Google search will turn up a lot of information. If more information is desired, a course or textbook in linear algebra would be the next step. This book can either serve as a fun way to step into linear algebra or as a supplementary resource for a class.

My hope is that this book will ignite ideas and fuel innovation in the reader. From trying other datasets for data analytics to variations on the ideas in computer graphics, there is plenty of room for your personal discovery. So, this book is a stepping stone, intended to springboard you into exploring your own ideas.

This book is connected to a Massive Open Online Course (also known as a MOOC) that will launch in February of 2015 through Davidson College and edX. The book and online course are not dependent on each other. Participants of the MOOC do not need this book, and readers of this book do not need to participate in the MOOC. The experiences are distinct, but for those interested, I believe the book and online course will complement each other.