General information
Course description
This linear algebra course is the third semester of our Math 1110-1120-2210-2220 calculus sequence, which is recommended for most students who plan to major in mathematics or certain related fields. See First steps in mathematics for advice on which calculus sequence and linear algebra course to choose.
At its root, linear algebra is the study of systems of linear equations. Systems of linear equations are ubiquitous in the natural and social sciences. One major contribution to the topic was made by Gauss (1777–1855), who was confronted with large systems of linear equations in his work on astronomy and developed the famous method of least squares to cope with measurement errors. Later in the nineteenth century Cauchy, Sylvester, Cayley and others developed the concept of a matrix, which provides the most convenient language for the theory and practice of linear equations. Matrices are intricate algebraic objects with many fascinating properties, but they also provide a bridge between linear equations and vectors, so infusing the subject of linear algebra with a strong geometric flavor. We will delve into all these topics, as well as the notions of determinant and eigenvalues, which are important numbers associated with any square matrix.
Prerequisites
Two semesters of calculus with high performance or permission of department.
Homework and quizzes
Weekly homework due in recitation. The first homework will be due on Sep 09 (no homework due on Sep 02 because of Labor Day). No homework due on Sep 30 and on Nov 04 because of prelims.
A selection of each assignment will be graded and returned in recitation. Each week's homework will be worth 3 points for completeness and 7 points for correctness, for a total of 10 points. Late homework will not be accepted. We will drop the lowest two homework grades (or absences).
There will be frequent quizzes in recitation, which will count towards your total grade. We will drop the lowest two quiz grades (or absences).
Exams
There will be two evening prelims and a final exam. The schedule is on the Exams page.
No books or calculators will be allowed on the exams. You may bring a one-sided letter size paper of notes to each prelim exam and a two-sided letter size paper of notes to the final.
We must have one week's advance notice of exam conflicts.
If you require special accommodation on prelims and exams, such as extended time or quiet time, you must obtain a Faculty Notification Letter from Student Disability Services and contact your recitation instructor two weeks before the prelim or exam to make the necessary arrangements.
The dates of the evening prelims include Religious Holidays for some students. NYS Education Law 224-A mandates that faculty make available an opportunity to make up any examination missed because of religious beliefs. In order to facilitate preparation of makeup exams, students intending to be absent in order to observe any of these holidays are requested to notify the instructor by 9/6/2013.
Resources
In addition to
Grading
Homework 10%, quizzes 10%, prelims 20% each, final 40%. Expected median course grade: B.
Academic integrity
You are encouraged to discuss homework problems with your classmates. Copying other people's solutions is not allowed however and will be penalized by the grader.
You are expected to abide by the CU Code of Academic Integrity.