Math 245, Spring 2004

204 Jepson Hall
287-6567
dfenster@richmond.edu

Tutorial

Course Overview: Linear Algebra serves as the bridge to a great deal of higher mathematics. All of the upper level mathematics courses draw from the material in this course. In fact, one of our recent senior mathematics majors commented, "if I would have known how much I would need Linear Algebra, I would have learned it better." By the end of the semester, you will want to have a working knowledge of topics such as vectors, matrices, vector spaces, bases, linear independence, row spaces, and column spaces. You will also want to be comfortable solving systems of linear equations. From a broad perspective, linear algebra helps you learn how to integrate a theoretical and computational understanding of mathematics. Thus, as one mathematician recently expressed in Focus , a Mathematical Association of America publication, "Students who have learned how to learn linear algebra have learned how to learn mathematics!"

Text:

David C. Lay, Linear Algebra and its Applications , 3rd ed. and the Study Guide .

Attendance:

Class time gives us guaranteed meetings for the presentation of new material, a forum for questions, and an opportunity to discuss problems as a group. Thus, I expect you to attend class regularly. More than two unexcused absences will influence your grade in a negative way (approximately one half of a letter grade for each set of two unexcused absences.)

Reading:

Simply put, read your text and Study Guide. Make this a new school-year resolution if you have found yourself intimidated by this prospect in the past. If you become discouraged, try again later; Isaac Newton himself had difficulty reading mathematics texts.

Homework:

I will assign homework daily. We will go over the homework at the beginning of the following class. Bring your homework stapled (I'm serious) and ready to submit. I will collect the homework every class period. No late homework (two minutes after I collect homework is late). To compensate for incidentals, I will drop at least two homework grades (your two lowest grades). Collaboration often plays a key role in the advancement of mathematics. Hence, I encourage you to work together on homework exercises. You may, however, submit only what you know and understand. From time to time I will designate problems for you to complete solely on your own.

In-Class Grade:

Class time works best when we all participate. The combination of well-prepared class members (i.e. students and faculty) and good attitudes creates an optimal setting for learning Linear Algebra. Speak in turn, listen to your classmates, and be eager (!) to cogitate on some new mathematics.

Mathematica now handles many linear algebra techniques with ease. Once we have acquired an understanding of these tools, we will "computerize" them. These assignments will be included among your homework problems. On my home page on the web, you will find a Linear Algebra tutorial for you to download to your UR account. This tutorial provides commands you will find useful for this course.

Please note: Exams may not be rescheduled. If you are unable to take one exam at the designated time for a legitimate reason, you may, with my prior approval, replace one missed exam with your final exam score. The Final Examination is comprehensive and may not be rescheduled without written permission from the Dean of the College.