Linear Algebra and Its Applications
Linear Algebra and Its Applications by David Layby David Lay
Ranked 4 of 7 linear algebra textbooks by recommenders
Recommended as a clear introductory linear algebra textbook, also useful for later review. Critics note it is basic and skips advanced topics.
Recommended as a clear introductory linear algebra textbook, also useful for later review. Critics note it is basic and skips advanced topics.
6 people gave an opinion
- recommend it
- 6
- criticize it
- 0
- approval share
- 100%
Recommended in 2 of 13 months
- November 2025: not recommended
- December 2025: recommended
- January 2026: not recommended
- February 2026: not recommended
- March 2026: not recommended
- April 2026: not recommended
- May 2026: not recommended
- June 2026: not 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 doesn’t carry the badge
- 6 people recommend itNeeds 10 or more, not met.
- Nobody criticizes itNeeds 2 to 1 or better, met.
- Recommended in 2 of 13 monthsNeeds 4 or more, not 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
Popular first textbook for linear algebra
“I had this as my very first textbook in community college. Loved it!”
Comment from 17 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler” “the best introductory linear algebra textbook, hands down”
Comment from 17 Aug 2026 in “Linear Algebra Done Right – Sheldon Axler”
What people warn about
Each mark is one comment
Basic, lacks advanced topics
“It is a basic textbook and doesn't cover anything advanced.”
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 Strang | 11 | 5 | 69% | 4 | — | Approved |
| Linear Algebraby Friedberg, Insel and Spence | 8 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| Linear Algebra and Its Applicationsby David LayThis page | 6 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebraby Ivan Savov | 5 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
What people said
6 of the 7 comments that mention it, newest first. Each links to the original comment.
“found Linear Algebra and Its Applications to give the most interesting treatment on the topic”
“It is a basic textbook and doesn't cover anything advanced.”
“Lay explains things very clearly and it's very good for going back to when I need to review something.”
“I had this as my very first textbook in community college. Loved it!”
“the best introductory linear algebra textbook, hands down”
“Lay seems to be a good modern alternative”
Counts come from 1,795,640 Hacker News comments, November 2025 to November 2026. How we count. Report a mistake.