MATH 233: Elementary Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra and its Applications, 3rd edition, by David Lay.

We will cover roughly chapters 1-6. Topics are subject to change depending on the progress of the class, and various topics may be skipped due to time constraints.

Please note that we will work on developing your independent reading skills in Mathematics. I certainly won't be able to cover in class all the material you will be required to learn. As a result, you will be expected to do a lot of reading. You should read the sections of the textbook which correspond to the material covered during the lectures. The reading will enable you to answer my questions and ask your own focused questions during the lecture and help you to better understand the material.

We will probably make use of the TI-89 calculators. Therefore, it is probably in your best interest to have one (or something equivalent that can calculate integrals.)

It may be helpful to make use of mathematical programs such as MATLAB, Maple, or Mathematica periodically. These are available in most student computer labs throughout campus.

Topics covered: Topics include linear equations, matrices, linear transformations, determinants, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and various applications.

For many of you, the material covered in this course will be new. Definitions are extremely important in this course. Be prepared to memorize a lot of them. Besides demonstrating competence in learning definitions, theorems, and problem-solving techniques of elementary linear algebra, you will also be required to demonstrate the ability to do simple proofs on homework and exams.

The notions of linear algebra are fundamental in almost all higher mathematics. In calculus courses the concept of a function is what one arrives at after studying graphs and simple mechanical motion in physics and stripping away the information which is not essential to doing calculations. Similarly, the ideas studied in linear algebra are what comes from stripping away the unnecessary information involved in solving simultaneous equations, studying systems of differential equations, higher order differential equations, multivariable calculus, as well as the physics of three (or four or higher) dimensional space and advanced econometrics models. Just as a function is a higher level of abstraction than the quantity the function represents, matrices, linear transformations, and vector spaces are more abstract than the functions, equations, or physical or economic situations which they represent.

Your overall grade will be determined as follows:

• 25% - WeBWorK, Quizzes, and Class Participation
• 25% - Exam 1
• 25% - Exam 2
• 25% - Final Exam

Your overall grade for the course will reflect how well the class is doing, and will be high if everyone is working hard on the homework and doing well on the exams. Almost all the questions on the exams will be in the same spirit with the homework questions. Therefore understanding how to do all the homework questions will enable you to do well on the exams.

Homework: Most homework will be done through the internet-based homework system called WeBWorK. However, there may occasionally be problems you must write out and hand in to me. All assignments must be completed by the given due date.

Exams: There will be two Midterm Exams and one Final Exam. Exams are closed book, closed notes, closed friends, and open brain. Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted in exams. Whether or not calculators are allowed on an exam will be determined at a later time.

Quizzes and Class Participation: There will be occasional, unannounced quizzes in class to make sure students are understanding and keeping up with the course material. Quizzes will be based on material from homework and previous lectures. It is also imperative that you keep up with reading the textbook. NO MAKE-UP QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN. Class participation will be based on your willingness to ASK and ANSWER questions in class.

It is essential not to fall behind because each lecture is based on previous work. If you have trouble with some material, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY in the following ways: