>>12388082i'm in NC these days, but in less sickly times i visit often. i always raid the McKay's math and science section when i go. got a book from Householder last time i went who, coincidentally enough, is famous for his contributions to linear algebra. I just looked up his bio on wiki and it says he taught at UT and worked at ORNL too, go figure
i agree with
>>12388035, learn linear algebra first, then abstract algebra. this is for a few reasons.
1) linear algebra is hands down the most important math i know (i'm a physicists/cs/ee phd student), even more important than calculus.
2) linear algebra is an important tool for abstract algebra in the form of representation theory
3) vectorspaces (what linear algebra studies) are an important abstract algebra construct. i think a solid understanding of vectorspaces and being exposed to lots of examples of vectorspaces was key to me generalizing patterns in math, which is what abstract algebra is all about (granted, intro AA will mostly be about groups)
