I think it really depends on how comfortable you are with mathematical symbols as a means of conveying something. I, for instance, tend to think of things very

I think it really depends on how comfortable you are with mathematical symbols as a means of conveying something. I, for instance, tend to think of things very geometrically or algorithmically, so usually in understanding mathematics I have to visualize the application and work backwards. As such, the "applications" aren't so much a toolbox a la applied math as much as nice concrete examples that help me understand the underlying theory. And for the record, another hat in the ring for Strang's Linear Algebra and its Applications.