This text provides a solid foundation for the study of advanced mathematics and covers many interesting applications of linear algebra, which show how linear algebra is essential in such diverse areas as combinatorics, differential equations, optimization, and approximation. The book discusses important concepts and methods from numerical linear algebra and contains a range of exercises in each section, including some that can be solved using a computer package such as MATLAB. It also incorporates mini-projects that encourage students to develop topics not covered in the text. A forthcoming solutions manual is available for qualifying instructors.