Applied mathematics rests on two central pillars: calculus and linear algebra. While calculus has its roots in the universal laws of Newtonian physics, linear algebra arises from a much more mundane issue: the need to solve simple systems of linear algebraic equations. Despite its humble origins, linear algebra ends up playing a comparably profound role in both applied and theoretical mathematics, as well as in all of science and engineering, computer science, probability and statistics, economics, numerical analysis, mathematical biology, and many other disciplines. Nowadays, a proper grounding in both calculus and linear algebra is an essential prerequisite for a successful career in science, engineering, and mathematics.