MIT · on MIT OpenCourseWare

Linear Algebra (18.06)

4.9(15,000) on MIT OpenCourseWare·4M enrolled
Intermediate 34 hours EnglishFREE
Our recommendation
Gilbert Strang's linear algebra is the reference course for the maths behind machine learning and data science. It is clear, intuitive and free, but it is real university material with no certificate or graded feedback — you supply the discipline.

Good for: Learners heading into machine learning or data science who need solid linear algebra.

Less suitable if: You want a certificate, graded assignments, or a gentle, applied-only treatment.

Skills you'll gain

Linear algebraMatricesVector spacesEigenvaluesEigenvectorsSingular value decomposition

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You are preparing for machine learning or data science
You are comfortable with university-level maths
You can study independently without deadlines

Consider something else if you…

You need a certificate
You want graded homework and feedback
You prefer a purely applied, no-theory course

Requirements: Comfort with basic calculus and algebra; this is intermediate level.

Realistic time: About 34 hours of lectures, plus practice — a few weeks of focused study.

About this course

MIT 18.06 with Gilbert Strang is the most-watched university math course in history — Strang's lectures have been viewed by an estimated 4 million learners worldwide, and his textbook defines how linear algebra is taught at the undergraduate level globally. The course covers vector spaces, matrix operations, systems of linear equations, determinants, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, the four fundamental subspaces, and the singular value decomposition (SVD).

What you'll learn

Solve systems of linear equations using elimination and matrix factorization
Understand vector spaces, subspaces, and the four fundamental subspaces
Compute and interpret eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Apply the singular value decomposition (SVD) to data applications
Understand the mathematical foundations of principal component analysis

This course includes

34h
On-demand video
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Completely free through MIT OpenCourseWare, including lecture videos, notes and problem sets. There is no certificate.

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Instructor

GS
Gilbert Strang
MIT OpenCourseWare instructor
4M+ learners6 courses4.9 instructor rating

Taught by Gilbert Strang, Professor of Mathematics at MIT and author of the standard linear algebra textbook used at universities worldwide. Strang is a MacVicar Faculty Fellow for teaching excellence.

About this provider

MO
MIT OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare — free, openly licensed course materials from MIT's actual courses, including lecture notes, problem sets, and exams. No certificate.
Visit MIT OpenCourseWare

Frequently asked questions

Yes for the maths behind data science and machine learning. It is the most widely watched linear algebra course for a reason.
No. OpenCourseWare provides the materials free but does not certify completion.
The content is the same. 18.06SC is the self-paced 'Scholar' version with extra problem-solving videos, which some self-learners prefer.
Yes, it covers the core you need — vectors, matrices, eigenvalues and the SVD.
It has a tough reputation, but Strang's teaching is unusually clear and intuitive, so it is very doable.
Comfort with algebra and a little calculus. It is pitched at intermediate level.
Free
to audit
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