Is it better to learn linear algebra before abstract algebra?

Formally speaking, around the build-up of pure maths knowledge, it is unnecessary. That said, most undergraduate programs are designed around the sequence of linear algebra-(and then)-abstract algebra, as opposed to the other way around. read more

Also, many courses require a little linear algebra - e.g., Ordinary Differential Equations, Probability, Real and Complex Analysis, Graph Theory, and etc.. So, even if it is allowed to take linear algebra later than abstract algebra, avoiding learning linear algebra for a time will likely put you at a disadvantage in those other courses. read more

Algebra is almost (as mentioned by Steve) confused as being fancy arithmetic. However, algebra just refers to manipulations of more abstract entities. Linear algebra refers to algebraic manipulation of straight lines, vectors, scalars, system of linear equations, and matrices (Basics). read more

There are several aspects that contribute to the decision to invest quite a lot of time on linear algebra before introducing abstract algebra. Firstly, there is the historical aspect. Linear algebra came first, and groups, rings and the rest of the gang came (considerably) later. read more