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I intend to study linear algebra during my summer vacation.I will be thankful if anyone could please point me to a good text.I do not care about the difficulty as long as the book is self contained.I do have some experience with problem solving and proof-writing.

Edit:I don't care about applications.I prefer one which is quite theoretical. Secondly,here is a book I came across.I request comments on that book too.I will make a choice after some deliberations.

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    There is a lovely little book ["Abstract Linear Algebra" by Curtis](http://www.amazon.com/Abstract-Linear-Algebra-Universitext-Morton/dp/0387972633) if you have a little experience with modern algebra this book will be easy to read and quite rewarding.2012-05-11

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I asked the same question a few days ago on the chat rooms, and there seems to be some consensus over the following texts:

  1. Linear Algebra 4th edition - Friedberg: This book is particularly focused on theory, with little to no examples that are taken from other fields (such as computer science). However, if you fully understand it, you should be able to apply any of the concepts yourself. It is a pretty challenging text, maybe one of the richest ones. So this should be a good bet.

  2. Hoffman/Kunze Linear Algebra

  3. Axler's Linear Algebra

  4. Strang's Linear Algebra Applications and Introduction - This is a good book for applications to engineering, etc. It is the book they use for the MIT OCW course.

These should be good books to get you started right away. However, also make sure to check out online resources and videos, such as MIT's OCW material on L.A, and other easier reference guides such as Paul's notes. There are plenty of online pages that were put up by courses at many different colleges, so you are bound to certainly find tons of materials, such as notes, homework problems, exams, etc.

EDIT (links): Berkeley, MIT (theoretical)

Hope this helps.

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    Hi Nu$n$oxic. I added Strang. I think that one complements well with engineering applications. EDIT: I also see that you chose it too!2012-05-11