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Poole's "Linear Algebra: A Modern Introduction," 5th Edition, emphasizes a vectors approach and prepares students to transition from computational to theoretical mathematics. Balancing theory and applications, the conversational writing style combines traditional presentation with student-centered learning. Theoretical, computational, and applied topics are presented in a flexible, integrated way. Stressing geometric understanding before computational techniques, vectors and vector geometry are introduced early to help students visualize concepts and develop mathematical maturity for abstract thinking. Applications drawn from a variety of disciplines reinforce linear algebra as a valuable tool for modeling real-life problems. Exercises allow students to practice linear algebra concepts and techniques. Learning objectives in each section serve as a guide for students and instructors.
About the author
David Poole is Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at Trent University, where he was a faculty member from 1984-2016. Prof. Poole has won numerous teaching awards: Trent University's Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching (the university's top teaching award), three merit awards for teaching excellence, a 2002 Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award (the top university teaching award in the province), a 2003 3M Teaching Fellowship (the top university teaching award in Canada, sponsored by 3M Canada Ltd.), a 2007 Leadership in Faculty Teaching Award from the province of Ontario, and the Canadian Mathematical Society's 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award. For his services to mathematics education, Prof. Poole was named a Fellow of the Canadian Mathematical Society in 2018. Prof. Poole served as chair of Trent's Mathematics Department on three occasions, and from 2002-2007 he was Associate Dean of Arts and Science (Teaching & Learning). His dedication to high quality teaching extends to policy development: he has been involved with teaching committees, task forces on mathematics education, and he has produced reports on teaching and learning approaches. His research interests include discrete mathematics, ring theory, and mathematics education. He received his B.Sc. from Acadia University (1976) before earning his M.Sc. (1977) and Ph.D. (1984) from McMaster University. When he is not doing mathematics, David Poole's hobbies include cooking and constructing crossword puzzles, and he is an avid film buff.
