This clear, unintimidating introductory text is distinguished by its strong computational and applied approach. Suitable for a sophomore-level course in linear, matrix, or computational algebra, it prepares students for further study in mathematics, computer science, chemistry, or economics. An outstanding interactive software package, specifically developed to accompany this text, offers ease of use, power, and flexibility, focusing attention on the interpretation of calculations rather than on the calculations themselves. The Second Edition has been improved by including more applications, more motivation to discussions, more graphics, and discussions of various relevant software packages, and the TI-85 graphics calculator.