Introduction to Linear Algebra
Text
Elementary Linear Algebra, 6th Edition by Larson, Edwards and Falvo.
Prerequisite
Math 151 with a course grade of ‘C’ or better, or equivalent.
Course Description
This course serves as an introduction to the theory and applications of
elementary linear
algebra, and is the basis for most upper division courses in mathematics. The
topics covered
in this course include matrix algebra, Gaussian Elimination, systems of
equations,
determinants, Euclidean and general vector spaces, linear transformations,
orthogonality and
inner product spaces, bases of vector spaces, the change of basis theorem,
eigenvalues and
eigenvectors, the rank and nullity of matrices and of linear transformations.
This course is
intended for the transfer student planning to major in mathematics, physics,
engineering,
computer science, operational research, economics, or other sciences.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Solve systems of linear equations using several algebraic methods.
2. Construct and apply special matrices, such as symmetric, skew-symmetric,
diagonal,
upper triangular or lower triangular matrices.
3. Perform a variety of algebraic matrix operations, including multiplication of
matrices,
transposes, and traces.
4. Calculate the inverse of a matrix using various methods, and perform
application
problems involving the inverse.
5. Compute the determinant of square matrices and use the determinant to
determine
existence of an inverse.
6. Derive and apply algebraic properties of determinants.
7. Perform vector operations on vectors from Euclidean Vector Spaces including
vectors
from ≺ .
8. Compute the equations of lines and planes and write these in their
corresponding
vector forms.
9. Perform linear transformations in Euclidean vector spaces, including basic
linear
operators, and determine the standard matrix of the linear transformation.
10. Prove whether a given structure is a vector space and determine whether a
given
subset of a vector space is itself a vector space.
11. Determine if a set of vectors spans a space, and if such a set is linearly
dependent or
independent.
12. Determine if a set of functions is linearly independent using various
techniques
including calculating the determinant of the Wronskian.
13. Solve for the basis and the dimension of a vector space.
14. Determine the rank, the nullity, the column space and the row space of a
matrix.
15. Describe orthogonality between vectors in an abstract vector space by means
of an
inner product, and compute the inner product between vectors of a this inner
product
space.
16. Compute the QR-decomposition of a matrix using the Gram-Schmidt process.
17. Perform changes of bases for a vector space, including computation of the
transition
matrix and determining an orthonormal basis for the space.
18. Compute all the eigenvalues of a square matrix, including any complex
eigenvalues,
and determine their corresponding eigenvectors.
19. Determine if a square matrix is diagonalizable and compute the
diagonalization of a
matrix whose eigenvalues are easily calculated.
20. Perform linear transformations among abstract general vector spaces,
determining the
rank, the nullity and the associated matrix of the transformation.
Course Goal
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be ready to apply
the
principles of Linear Algebra to the study of Differential Equations and apply
their knowledge
to applications in science, computer science and/or economics. To fulfill the
course
objectives, we will cover the material from Chapters 1 through 7 in the
textbook.
Academic Success
Remember that the formula for academic success requires at least four hours
of
preparation, study, and review for each hour spent in the classroom.
An adequate plan of study will include the following:
Before class: read the material to be covered in the text
In Class: Take notes, ask questions, work examples yourself rather than copy
them.
After Class: Rewrite your notes, reread the text, do all the suggested
assignments the day they are assigned, and go back and review older material
regularly.
Correctly written test, quiz, and homework problems and
exercises in mathematics,
whether they are ‘pure’ math or application problems, should have the following
qualities:
They should be well organized and neatly written.
They should show all relevant work to support the solution.
The final answer is correct (and includes correct units if applicable) Circle or
underline your final answers.
Personal Learning Assistance Center
The PLACe is a tutoring center on the Miramar campus which will provide free
tutoring
in many languages. They provide for walk-in tutoring as well as structured
lessons. If you
feel you are falling behind or are having difficulty understanding the material
of the class,
please make sure that you utilize this free campus service.
The PLACe's mission is to provide quality and timely
learning support services to all
Miramar students by means of:
• exceptional individualized, group and computer assisted
tutorials;
• strong alliances with Miramar faculty and programs;
• an environment that is inclusive, comprehensive, safe and that removes all
barriers to
learning;
• opportunities for competent and motivated students to learn the benefits of
helping
others through peer tutoring.
DSPS
Be aware that DSPS exists to help students with verified disabilities who
may require
special accommodations. Students are encouraged to contact Disability Support
Programs
and Services Office in the early stages of their college planning. Any student
currently
registered with DSPS and requiring an accommodation is required to contact the
instructor
and acquaint them with the circumstances.
Grading Policies
a. Homework: At the end of each class, homework will be
assigned. You should
study the section carefully, working through examples and rereading each
definition
and theorem before beginning the assigned exercises. There will be an
opportunity to
ask questions about the homework at the beginning of each class.
b. Quizzes: There will be 6 quizzes during the semester.
Each quiz will be graded on
a 30 point scale using the criteria above. The lowest quiz score will be
dropped. The
quizzes will count for 150 points of the final grade.
c. Tests: There will be three exams during the session,
with approximately the
following coverage:
Test 1 Chapters 1 – 3
Test 2 Chapters 4 – 5
Test 3 Chapters 6 – 7
Each exam will be worth 100 points for a total of 300 points of the final grade.
d. Final Examination: The final exam, administered on the
last class date, 19
May. It will be cumulative. The final exam will be worth a total of 150 points
of the
final grade.
e. Grading Scale: Expect the grading scale for the course to be as follows:
0 – 239 points F
360 – 419 points D
420 – 479 points C
480 – 539 points B
540 – 600 points A
Attendance
Students may be dropped for nonattendance (missing 4 or more classes) up to
the
final date to withdraw from the class. If you stop attending this class it is
your responsibility to
drop the course yourself. If you decide to drop, you do not need any signatures.
If you must
miss a class, please inform me beforehand (email is usually most convenient) and
realize
that it is your responsibility to make up any missed class work. It will not be
practical to make
up tests so you should plan on attending each class session.
It is expected that students will arrive on time for class
and prepared to work. You
should make certain to eat breakfast before class so that you will not be
distracted during the
class itself. If you habitually arrive late for class, take long breaks, or
leave class early, these
will be counted as absences.
o It is the student’s responsibility to drop all classes
in which he/she is no longer
attending.
o It is the instructor’s discretion to withdraw a student after the add/drop
deadline (see
college course schedule) due to excessive absences.
o Student’s who remain enrolled in a class beyond the published withdrawal
deadline, as
stated in the class schedule, will receive an evaluative letter grade in the
class.
Academic integrity and behavior
Aside from tests and the final exam, you may work together outside of class
with
whomever you wish. During tests and quizzes I expect that you will do your own
work using
only materials which I have specified. You have been placed in a position of
responsibility
and trust in this regard and it is expected that you will honor your obligation.
As a minimum
penalty an individual who fails to honor their obligation during a testing
process shall receive
a zero for the test indicated. A second occurrence shall result in a failing
grade for the
course. Any such instance shall be reported to the school for action as
appropriate.
If there are special circumstances which may affect your
performance in this class, or
of which you believe I should be informed, please do so at your earliest
convenience.
You are responsible for the policies outlined in this
syllabus. These policies may be
subject to modification as the semester progresses. Thank you and have a
successful
semester.