  This paper provides an introduction to trace diagrams at a level suitable for
advanced undergraduates. Trace diagrams are a non-traditional notation for
linear algebra. Vectors are represented by edges in a diagram, and matrices by
markings along the edges of the diagram. The notation is rigorous and permits
proofs more elegant than those written using traditional notation.
  We begin with the definition of trace diagrams, and move directly into two
special cases that help orient the reader to the diagrammatic point-of-view. We
then provide an explicit description of how they are calculated. Finally, we
provide the diagrammatic perspective on some questions often posed by students
seeing vectors and linear algebra for the first time. We also look at some
questions inspired by the diagrammatic notation. We include several examples
and exercises throughout, which are particularly important for adjusting to
nonstandard notation.
