Question

OK, so I clicked all too readily on that OpenStudy button next to MIT 18.06 Linear Algebra out of simple curiosity about a) Linear Algebra (I have edited quite a few robotics papers that used this kind of maths, would like to know more); b) online education (surely the future); but am I going to be hopelessly out of my depth? (I passed my maths school cert, but that was now 30 years ago) Is there some preliminary course/work/reading/test I should be doing first?

Answer 1

I do not think you will need any preliminary coursework.

I had not have not had a formal math class since highschool calculus, and the Strang's linear algebra class was really what got me into online learning.

I've worked through his lectures and text slowly, and I'd say his teaching style is such that so long as you have a basic understanding of algebra, you will be ready for an excellent learning experience. Conversely, even if you are already somewhat familiar with Lin Alg, the 18.06 course will expand your perspective on the subject matter.


Great course, excellent teacher. Jump right in!

Answer 2

I agree with datanewb :)

Answer 3

I will add my two cents: I was a applied mathematics major in college, but that was some time ago and I had forgotten most of what I learned. I started studying linear algebra just by reading Strang's "Linear Algebra and Its Applications" (the old 3rd edition) without any prep work at all, and it worked out OK. 80-90% of the material I've encountered thus far hasn't required anything other than basic algebra and some mathematical aptitude (e.g., knowing general strategies for proving things, like induction or proof by contradiction).

I'll also add that Strang's approach is very practically oriented, the opposite of the very abstract and proof-centric approach to linear algebra that some seem to favor. (These seem to be the sorts of people who give Strang's textbooks bad reviews on Amazon.) I think Strang's is a much better approach for people who want to learn linear algebra but don't aspire to graduate study in mathematics.

Answer 4

His lectures are great but I find the book a bit perplexing. I went through the first ten with little trouble but then got the feeling my understanding lacked foundation so I am back plowing through the first problem set.

Answer 5

Well, thanks for all the very helpful responses! In fact I found this: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/mathematics/18-06-linear-algebra-spring-2010/syllabus/ which does recommend that entrants to 18.06 have completed 18.02 multivariable calculus. Now, I did study calculus, but that was a long time ago, so I think I'd better take a few steps backwards.

Answer 6

I don't think you need calculus to do this course. Try listening to the lectures until you are totally lost then go back and do them again, supplementing your knowledge with reading the texts. He is an amazing instructor and you will learn by listening to him.

Answer 7

As simple as this sounds, I find that doing problems is as important as listening to the lectures. Some time ago I listened to the lectures without doing problems, thinking that I was learning something. Ha.

Do the problems you can do. Solutions are available on the web, and of course the live help here is amazing. I agree with the others that you don't need any more than you already have right now.