Introduction to Linear Algebra
Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strangby Gilbert Strang
Hacker ApprovedRanked 2 of 7 linear algebra textbooks by recommenders
Recommended as a clear, authoritative first introduction to linear algebra, especially for engineers. Critics say it focuses more on what than why and needs supplementing.
Recommended as a clear, authoritative first introduction to linear algebra, especially for engineers. Critics say it focuses more on what than why and needs supplementing.
16 people gave an opinion
- recommend it
- 11
- criticize it
- 5
- approval share
- 69%
Recommended in 4 of 13 months
- November 2025: recommended
- December 2025: not recommended
- January 2026: not recommended
- February 2026: not recommended
- March 2026: not recommended
- April 2026: not recommended
- May 2026: recommended
- June 2026: recommended
- July 2026: not recommended
- August 2026: recommended
- September 2026: not recommended
- October 2026: not recommended
- November 2026: not recommended (month in progress)
Why it carries the badge
- 11 people recommend itNeeds 10 or more, met.
- 2.2 recommenders for every criticNeeds 2 to 1 or better, met.
- Recommended in 4 of 13 monthsNeeds 4 or more, met.
The same three rules apply to every product, and the badge can’t be bought. How the badge works
What people say about it
The reasons people give, with the number of comments that give each one. Open a reason to read what they said.
Why people recommend it
Each mark is one comment
Respected, authoritative educator and author
“he's one of the most famous and best-respected educators of linear algebra”
Comment from 3 Nov 2025 in “An Illustrated Introduction to Linear Algebra, Chapter 2: The Dot Product” “nothing as authoritative as Axler or Strang”
Comment from 3 Nov 2025 in “An Illustrated Introduction to Linear Algebra, Chapter 2: The Dot Product” Good first introduction to linear algebra
“His book is the best first introduction to linear algebra”
Comment from 17 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler” “The one with Gilbert Strang was good for me”
Comment from 21 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler”
What people warn about
Each mark is one comment
Hard for beginners
“tried both and they are hard as a starter”
Comment from 17 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler” “I found Strang impenetrable”
Comment from 17 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler”
Other linear algebra textbooks people recommend
The four most recommended other linear algebra textbooks, with the same counts for each, so you can compare like for like. The tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs.
| Product | Recommend | Criticize | Approval | Months | Owned | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Algebra Done Rightby Sheldon Axler | 41 | 12 | 77% | 8 | — | Approved |
| Introduction to Linear Algebraby Gilbert StrangThis page | 11 | 5 | 69% | 4 | — | Approved |
| Linear Algebraby Friedberg, Insel and Spence | 8 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| Linear Algebra and Its Applicationsby David Lay | 6 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebraby Ivan Savov | 5 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
What people said
15 of the 17 comments that mention it, newest first. Each links to the original comment.
“The one with Gilbert Strang was good for me”
“Strang would work well for engineers”
“tried both and they are hard as a starter”
“I'd vote for Strang -- and watch his videos while you go”
“his book is disorganized and too heavy on computation”
“If you liked 3B1B's style, you will prefer strang over axler.”
“His book is the best first introduction to linear algebra”
“Strange is very good, but feels kinda vague and long winded in comparison”
“I found Strang impenetrable”
“Strang is simpler and clearer.”
“accompanied by his excellent textbook”
“He focuses more on what rather than why, so if one wants to delve deeper, it needs to be supplemented”
“his sequencing doesn't treat the angle formula as fundamental”
“he's one of the most famous and best-respected educators of linear algebra”
“nothing as authoritative as Axler or Strang”
Counts come from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026. How we count. Report a mistake.