Math 322:
Matrix Algebra

Syllabus

Office hours: MWF 2:00-2:50 PM or by appointment.

The main problem of linear algebra is solving systems of linear equations. We shall develop several methods for solving equations and relate the equations and their solutions to the geometry of points, lines, planes, and their higher dimensional analogs. The ideas in this course have application to all other areas of mathematics, and most other sciences. Our primary goal is help you construct a working knowledge of this valuable subject, by all means possible. This includes the use of Matlab in our studies.

The topics will include the algebra and geometry of vectors, dot product, matrix multiplication, permutation matrices, Gaussian elimination, elimination matrices, LU factorization, determinants, vector spaces, subspaces, linear independence, basis, dimension, linear transformations, QR factorization, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization.

They will count toward the final grade as follows:
-- quizzes (20%);
-- Exam 1: Chapter 1, 2, 5 (25%);
-- Exam 2: Chapter 3, 4, parts of 6 (25%)
-- Final Exam: Chapters 1-7 (30%).

Quizzes will be based on the weekly homework assignments. Make-up quizzes will not be given without a written excuse based on the Excused Absences listed in the Students Rights and Responsibilities. Note that the list of excused absences is very short. One quiz grade will be dropped in computing your grade.

Your final letter grade will be based on the following table:

A = 90 - 100     B = 80 - 89     C = 70 - 79     D = 60-69     E = 0-59.

You will be expected to learn the material well enough so that you are able to work problems that are different from the homework problems. To do well on the exams and final you must be able to apply what you have learned in new settings on new problems.

Tests will be written under the assumption that students will have a calculator available when taking them. Time permitting, a portion of the course will involve the symbolic computation language Matlab.

First day of classes: January 10.

Martin Luther King Birthday, no classes: January 15.

Last day to add a class for the 2001 Spring Semester. Last day to officially withdraw from the University or reduce course load and receive an 80% refund: January 17.

Last day to drop a course without it appearing on the student's transcript: January 31.

Last day to officially withdraw from the University or reduce course load and receive a 50% refund: February 7.

Last day to withdraw from the University or reduce course load. Students can withdraw or reduce course load after this date only for urgent non-academic reasons: March 9.

Spring Break -- no classes: March 12-17.

Last day of classes: April 27.

to do well in the course unless you develop a clear and solid knowledge of the material through working problems. In this course it will not be sufficient to memorize an algorithm for doing specific types of problems. You will be expected to understand the material well enough so you are able to do problems unlike the ones we work in class.
I expect and encourage you to ask lots of questions and to visit me during my office hours and to make appointments if my office hours conflict with your schedule.
I hope that you find this course interesting and wish you a lot of success.   :)