Both textbooks are well-regarded resources for learning linear algebra and calculus, respectively. The choice between them depends on the specific needs of the student and the course requirements. Both offer clear explanations, examples, and exercises, along with supplementary materials. The Calculus textbook is more comprehensive and has a wider range of exercises.
| Attribute | Linear Algebra and Its Applications (David C. Lay, 6th Edition) | Calculus: Early Transcendentals (James Stewart, 9th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Linear Algebra and Its Applications (David C. Lay, 6th Edition) | Calculus: Early Transcendentals (James Stewart, 9th Edition) |
| Author(s) | David C. Lay, Judi J. McDonald, and Steven R. Lay | James Stewart, Daniel K. Clegg, and Saleem Watson |
| Edition | 6th Edition. A Global Edition also exists. | 9th Edition (published in 2020, with a 2021 revision) |
| Publisher | Pearson Education. Pearson Education Inc. Pearson (Intl). Pearson Education Limited. | Cengage Learning |
| ISBN | 9780135851258, 0135851254, 9781292351216 (Global Edition), 1292351217 (Global Edition), 9781292351223 (Digital and eTextbook ISBN for Global Edition), 1292351225 (Digital and eTextbook ISBN for Global Edition), 9781292419046 (additional ISBN for eTextbook), 9781292371146 (additional ISBN for eTextbook), 9781292472584 (additional ISBN for eTextbook), 9781292740935 (additional ISBN for eTextbook), 9780135851043 (additional ISBN for eTextbook), 9781292351285, 9781292351353, 9781292756356, 9780136847489, 9780135851029, 9780136880929, 978-1292351216, 1-292-35121-7, 978-1-292-35121-6, 978-1-292-35122-3 | 9781337613927 (other ISBNs may exist for different versions) |
| Number of Pages | 672 pages | 1376 pages (Metric Edition: 1408 pages) |
| Availability of Solutions Manual | Yes, a solutions manual with detailed, step-by-step solutions is available. An instructor's solutions manual also exists. | Student solutions manual available with worked solutions for odd-numbered exercises; separate solutions manuals cover chapters 1-11 |
| Clarity of Explanations | The book is known for its clear exposition and learner-friendly approach, introducing concepts in a familiar setting and developing them gradually. | Known for clarity, precision, and accuracy; refinements made in the 9th edition to improve clarity; straightforward writing style |
| Difficulty Level | It is designed as an introductory text. The material is presented in a concrete setting initially, but students may encounter challenges when abstract concepts are introduced. | Exercises are graded in difficulty |
| Usefulness of Examples | The textbook focuses on relevant examples that illustrate the practical use of linear algebra in various fields. The 6th edition offers new material and examples. | Praised for outstanding examples that solidify understanding and provide varied applications |
| Coverage of Topics | It offers broad coverage of relevant applications. Key concepts include linear independence, vector spaces, and linear transformations, which are introduced early and revisited throughout the text. | Comprehensive coverage of single and multivariable calculus; Early Transcendentals approach introduces exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions early |
| Quality of Exercises | The book includes an abundant supply of exercises ranging from routine computations to conceptual questions. The 6th edition updates exercises and adds new applications. | Vast array of exercises varying in complexity, progressing from skill-development problems to challenging applications and proofs |
| Online Resources | The 6th Edition provides online resources. MyLab Math can be used to access online homework, tutorials, and assessments. | WebAssign offers learning support and resources, including 'Explore It' interactive learning modules, eTextbook, Quick Prep modules, and a Student Solutions Manual |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |