Orthogonal Sets and Polar Methods in Linear Algebra

A unique, applied approach to problem solving in linear algebra Departing from the standard methods of analysis, this unique book presents methodologies and algorithms based on the concept of orthogonality and demonstrates their application to both standard and novel problems in linear algebra. Covering basic theory of linear systems, linear inequalities, and linear programming, it focuses on elegant, computationally simple solutions to real-world physical, economic, and engineering problems. The authors clearly explain the reasons behind the analysis of different structures and concepts and use numerous illustrative examples to correlate the mathematical models to the reality they represent. Readers are given precise guidelines for: Checking the equivalence of two systems Solving a system in certain selected variables Modifying systems of equations Solving linear systems of inequalities Using the new exterior point method Modifying a linear programming problem With few prerequisites, but with plenty of figures and tables, end-of-chapter exercises as well as Java and Mathematica programs available from the authors' Web site, this is an invaluable text/reference for mathematicians, engineers, applied scientists, and graduate students in mathematics.