Math 201-003: Linear Algebra, Fall 2019
Professor: Darij Grinberg
Organization
Course description
An introduction to matrix-based linear algebra (Gaussian elimination, determinants, linear maps, eigenvalues, eigenvectors) and the basics of vector space theory.
Prerequisites: Math 121 or its equivalents.
Course materials
- Required:
-
- Recommended:
- David C. Lay, Steven R. Lay, Judi J. McDonald, Linear Algebra and its Applications, 5th edition. Standard linear algebra text used for Math 201 at Drexel; I've been told all editions since the 3rd are essentially interchangeable.
Course calendar
- Week 1:
-
- Week 2:
-
- Week 3:
-
- Week 4:
-
- Week 5:
-
- Week 6:
-
- Week 7:
-
- Week 8:
-
- Week 9:
-
- Week 10:
-
- Week 11:
-
- Week 12:
-
Grading and policies
- Grading matrix:
- 30%: homework sets (the lowest score will be dropped if all homework sets are submitted).
- 20%: midterm 1.
- 20%: midterm 2.
- 30%: final exam.
- Grade scale:
- These numbers are tentative and subject to change:
- A: (80%, 100%].
- B: (65%, 80%].
- C: (50%, 65%].
- D: [0%, 50%].
- Homework policy:
- Collaboration and reading is allowed, but you have to write solutions in your own words and acknowledge all sources that you used.
- Asking outsiders (anyone apart from Math 201 students and Drexel staff) for help with the problems is not allowed. (In particular, you cannot post homework as questions on math.stackexchange before the due date!)
- Late homework will not be accepted. (But keep in mind that the lowest homework score will be dropped.)
- Solutions have to be either handed in at the beginning of class, or submitted electronically (via Blackboard) in a format I can read (PDF, TeX or plain text if it works; no doc/docx!). If you submit a PDF, make sure that it is readable and does not go over the margins.
- Some exercises will ask for proofs (generally at a fairly low level). See the "Remedial" course materials at Math 222 for a list of introductions to proofs. My Notes on linear algebra also contain many examples of rigorous proofs in matrix algebra. (You don't need to be as detailed.) You are allowed to use results stated in class without proving them.
- Midterm and exam policy:
- You are allowed to bring up to 5 sheets of (letter or A4) paper with you as cheat-sheets. Calculators, phones and other technical tools must not be used unless necessary as disability accommodations.
- Expected outcomes:
- Students should be able to solve systems of linear equations by Gaussian elimination; find the rank, the determinant and the RREF of a matrix; understand the concepts of a vector space and of a linear map and their relations to matrices.
Other resources
- Homework help:
-
- University policies:
-
- Disability resources:
-
- Writing center:
-