Linear Algebra and Its Applications offers a modern elementary introduction with broad, relevant applications. With  traditional texts, the early stages of the course are relatively easy as material is presented in a familiar, concrete setting; but students often hit a wall when abstract concepts are introduced. Certain concepts fundamental to the study of linear algebra (such as linear independence, vector space, and linear transformations) require time to learn–and students' understanding of them is vital.

Lay, Lay, and McDonald make these concepts more accessible by introducing them early in a familiar, concrete Rn setting, developing them gradually, and returning to them throughout the text so that students can grasp them when they are discussed in the abstract. Throughout, the 6th Edition updates exercises, adds new applications, takes advantage of improved technology, and offers more support for conceptual learning.