Linear algebra has long been regarded as an abstract and difficult subject. Yet, through Strang's lectures, the numbers came alive.
Rarely appearing in the media, the veteran MIT professor made his mark through his clarity and wisdom, helping learners grasp some of the most fundamental concepts of modern mathematics.
Professor Gilbert Strang in 2023. Photo courtesy of MIT
Early brilliance
Strang, who is now 91, demonstrated his academic prowess early on. He was named a William Barton Rogers Scholar during his undergraduate studies at MIT. Named after the institute's founder, this prestigious scholarship supported him from 1952 to 1955, as the young Strang famously managed to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics in just three years instead of the usual four.
