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Main text Linear Algebra (4th edition): Stephen H. Friedberg, Arnold J. Insel, and Lawrence E. Spencer You are expected to read the assigned sections (see the Course Calendar for sections) |
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Suggested text Linear Algebra Done Right (2nd edition): Sheldon Axler |
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Suggested text Linear Algebra (2nd edition): Kenneth M. Hoffman and Ray Kunze |
Exam 1 information and review problems
Note that the review problems are not all encompassing, and you are responsible for all material covered in class. These are just a sample of some types of problems to expect. Also, this is much longer than the actual exam will be, so do not interpret it as a practice exam. If you find any issues with any of the problems (such as you think they are incorrect as stated), please let me know. This document was written in haste.
Exam 2 information and review problems
The same as stated for Exam 1 above holds for this set of review problems.
Final Exam information and review problems
The same as stated for Exams 1 and 2 above holds for this set of review problems.
This course is a proof-based continuation of Math 250, covering Abstract vector spaces and linear transformations, inner product spaces, diagonalization, and canonical forms. Possible additional topics include (but are not limited to): systems of ordinary differential equations and numerical techniques.
MATH 250, MATH 300, AND (MATH 244, MATH 252, OR MATH 292, i.e. differential equations). In laymen’s terms, you should have a good understanding of the standard engineering calculus sequence through ordinary differential equations, as well as linear algebra and proof-writing. Of course, as this is a linear algebra course, a solid understanding of the material presented in MATH 250 is essential. For a brief refresher of topics covered in Math 250, see here. Many examples will be taken from systems analyzed in calculus courses; for example, the space of continously differentiable functions on [0,1] is a vector space. You will also be required to write precise proofs, both in collected homework and on exams/quizzes. Most major theorems will be proven in class, and I will assume that you are comfortable in both following and constructing basic proofs on your own. If you have any concerns regarding the prerequisites, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Formally, grades will be determined by homework, quizzes, and three exams. The breakdown is as follows:
| Homework | 15% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Midterm I | 20% |
| Midterm II | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
Homework Homework will be assigned weekly, and will typically be due one week after assignment. All assignments will be distributed on the Course Calendar, and should be turned in by the end of class on the due date. The two lowest grades will be dropped. Late homework will NOT be graded.
Quizzes Quizzes will be given periodicially throughout the semester in class. Problems will be comparable in difficulty to the assigned homework, and will cover recent material. Each quiz should take no more than 20 minutes, and will be announced in advance. I will drop your one lowest score.Note on collaboration You are encouraged to work together on homework assignments, but problem sets should be both written up and turned in individually. Furthermore, only submit work that is your own. Plagiarism is a serious offense, and will result in a score of zero for the assignment, as well as possible punishment from the University. You must also cite any reference you use and clearly mark any quotation or close paraphrase that you include. Such citation will not lower your grade, although extensive quotation might.
Exams The Final Exam will take place during the Exam week; it appears we are scheduled for December 18th, from 12-3 pm, in our normal classroom (SEC-203). Note that it will be cumulative, but possibly more heavily weighted to the material since Midterm II. The other two exams will take place in class, and with dates as listed above. In general they will be closed book, and no calculators or other electronic devices will be permitted. Material covered on each exam will be specified closer to the corresponding dates.
Students are expect to attend class regularly, as well as actively participate in discussions. Although not defined as a fixed portion of your final grade, participation will influence your overall performance in the class, especially in "border cases." If a class period is missed, you are expected to read and understand the material on your own; see the Course Calendar for detailed information and readings covered that day. For information on absence reporting and missing exams, see Absences and Make-ups below. I reserve the right to lower the course grade up to one full letter grade for poor attendance.
This class will follow the main text of Friedberg, Insel, and Spence fairly carefully, although material will at times be supplemented from other sources. I will keep an updated class schedule on the webpage (Course Calendar) during the semester, which will include sections covered, quizzes, homework postings with due dates, and recommended problems, as well as other information that may be pertinent for the class. Please check back frequently! I plan to cover most of the main text, but if there is material you are especially interested learning about, please feel free to let me know. Below you will find a tentative schedule for the course, along with the approximate number of weeks spent on the particular subject:
| Abstract Vector Spaces | 3 weeks |
| Linear Maps between Vector Spaces | 2 weeks |
| Systems of Equations | 1 week |
| Determinants | 1 week |
| Diagonalization and Applications | 2 weeks |
| Inner Product Spaces | 2 weeks |
| Canonical Forms (Jordan, Rational, Spectral) | 2 weeks |
Students are expected to attend all classes; if you expect to miss one or two classes, please use the University absence reporting website to indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email is automatically sent to me. For longer absences, students should email me details regarding the situation. Please note that there will be no make-ups for quizzes or exams. If you have a major medical or personal problem and plan to miss an exam, please contact the instructor by email, with a note from the Dean's office to authenticate an absence that is supported by appropriate documentation.
All students in the course are expected to be familiar with and abide by the academic integrity policy. Violations of this policy are taken very seriously.
Full disability policies and procedures are indicated here. Students with disabilites requesting accommodations must present a Letter of Accommodations to the instructor as early in the term as possible.
I will use Sakai for email contact, as well as to post homework and quiz solutions. All enrolled students should have automatic access to the site after logging in to Sakai. Make sure to frequently check your email associated to your Sakai account.