Math 2270-001 (Summer 2005)
Linear Algebra

Syllabus

The most effective way to contact me outside of class is by e-mail.  In case you are calling and I am not in my office, you could also call the Department of Mathematics (801-581-6851) and leave me a message there.

Lecture Hour:  4:30pm - 5:30pm (full hour), MTWH
Lecture Room:  LCB 121
Prerequisite:  MATH 1220 or 1225 or 1260.

Textbook
Otto Bretscher, Linear Algebra with Applications, 3rd ed., 2005, Pearson Prentice Hall.

Objectives & Contents
Linear algebra provides numerous computational tools used in many areas in pure and applied mathematics.  Mastery of the subject is indispensable in further study of mathematics.  We will start with a review of linear systems of equations, which leads to matrices.  Matrices will first appear as a computational tool to solve linear systems.  Next, we study matrix algebra, namely, the algebraic operations on matrices.  We then move on to introduce the concept of linear spaces and linear maps between them.  Matrices, which we studied beforehand, will serve as prototypical examples (or representatives) of linear spaces as well as linear maps.  On the other hand, matrices will also be our primary computational tools for studying abstract linear spaces and linear maps.  We will then introduce the additional structure of an inner product on our linear spaces, and study the subsequent concepts of orthogonality and approximation in such spaces.  We will close the course with a discussion of diagonalization of linear maps between inner product spaces.

Mid-term Course Evaluation
If, at any time during the semester, you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms regarding the course or my teaching that you are not comfortable telling me in person, I invite you to make use of the  anonymous  Mid-term Course Evaluation Form, which can be accessed at:

Your feedback will be very valuable to me and your classmates; please do not hesitate to make them if you have any.

Course Components
 

Grading Scheme
 

Assignments
Except otherwise noted, there will be weekly assignments every Thursday, due the following Thursday in class.  Late submissions and submissions outside class (for example, because your are absent on an assignment due date) will not be accepted.  (For example, any assignment left in my office while I am not there will be rejected!)  All assignments required for submission will be counted toward the final grade; none will be dropped.

Computing
Certain assignments will have computation problems which require the use of the computer algebra system MAPLE.  Please make sure you have access to the software.  Being enrolled in a Department of Mathematics course, you automatically have a Mathematics computing account created for you and you can use MAPLE from that account.  Please go to the computer lab in the T. Benny Rushing Mathematics Student Center (See below for hours and location.) for help with accessing your account.

Extra Credits
There will be no extra credits whatsoever.  (You don't have to ask about them.)

Tests
There will be four 60-minute tests during the semester.  Please refer to the  Tentative Course Schedule  for the (tentative) dates and scopes of these tests.

Tentative Course Schedule
All dates indicated on the Tentative Course Schedule are tentative and subject to changes, especially those in the latter part of the semester.  Test dates will be finalized and announced in class one to two weeks prior to each test.  It is your responsibility to keep yourself updated on the finalized test dates.

Alternative Arrangements for Tests
Alternative test dates will only be permitted for truly extraordinary reasons.  If you know ahead of time you will be unable to take any of the tests at the scheduled time and wish to take the test at a different time, you must request alternative arrangements (which may or may not be granted depending on your reason) prior to the test date.  Once the test date is past, no make-up will be allowed except for truly extraordinary reasons.

Final Examination
The will be a comprehensive 2-hour final examination.  Its time and room will be announced later in the course.  For the campus-wide final examination schedule for Summer 2005, please visit:

Alternative arrangements for the final examination will only be permitted for truly extraordinary reasons.  All such requests with insufficient reason will be refused.

Withdrawal Dates

• Last Day to Drop:  Wed, May 25
• Last Day to Withdraw:   Fri, June 3
• Last Day to Reverse CR/NC:  Fri, June 17