Introduction
Linear algebra has spectacular applications in disciplines as
apparently diverse as computing, engineering and biology; moreover,
it's at the core of much of pure mathematics. This course provides an
introduction to linear algebra. Compared to M229, the emphasis of
this course will be on theory and proof, rather than on computation.
Prerequisites
I assume you have taken and understood M229 or its equivalent. Thus,
you should be able to solve systems of linear equations, manipulate
matrices, and compute eigenvalues of small matrices.
Logistics
- The main textbook for this course is
- Sheldon Axler, Linear algebra done right, second edition,
Springer-Verlag, 1997.
In addition, I recommend (though don't require, and will rarely explicitly refer to) a resource like
- Seymour Lipschutz and Marc Lipson, Schaum's outline of linear
algebra, McGraw-Hill.
for concrete examples of working with matrices.
- MWF 9:00am - 9:50 am, Clark C364.
- Professor Jeff Achter
j.achter@colostate.edu
Weber 216, 491-6716
Requirements and other expectations
Caveat auditor: The lectures will certainly relate to the
textbook, but the latter is not a perfect substitute for the former.
In particular, you are responsible for everything we do in class.
Your grade will be based on the following components.
- Homework -- 35%
Homework and class participation. The work you do for homework is by
far the most important component of the course. Homework will be
assigned weekly, and is due at the beginning of class on
Fridays. No late homework will ever be accepted. Your work must
be neat, and pages stapled, in order to be graded.
- Exams -- 40%
There will be two in-class exams, on Wednesday, February 15, and
Wednesday, April 5. No makeup exam will be given; you must take each
exam as scheduled.
- Final --25%
The final is on Wednesday, May 10, from 11:20AM to 1:20PM. Again, you
must take the exam as scheduled. In particular, you should plan your
departure for summer break accordingly.
Help
This is challenging material; it's fully expected
that sometimes you'll need a little help. Unless specifically
noted, you're encouraged to work with other students in the class.
(Please observe that the work you actually turn in must be your own.)
Questions directed to j.achter@colostate.edu
will be answered swiftly.
However, some questions are best answered in person. You
can come by office hours or schedule an appointment.
This page is available at http://www.math.colostate.edu/~achter/369