Course description: Linear algebra is the study of linear equations and systems of linear equations. Systems of linear equations can be solved using direct solution methods, matrix algebra methods, and vector space methods. Each level of abstraction gives us new insights into the original problem, and provides us with tools for solving additional problems.
This course introduces the concepts of linear algebra to students in mathematics, the natural and social sciences, and management. Geometric interpretation and visualization will be emphasized throughout the course. The essential requirement for the course is a working knowledge of algebra and analytic geometry. Familiarity with ideas from differential and integral calculus will also be assumed.
Fall 2009 course information: The main text for the course is Linear Algebra and Its Applications, Third Edition by University of Maryland Professor David Lay (Addison Wesley, 2006).
Course notes (9/8): notebook01, notebook02, notebook03, notebook04.
Syllabus (important information you need to know, 9/8).
Homework assignments: hw01 (due 9/18), hw02 (due 9/25), hw03 (due 10/2), hw04 (due 10/16), hw05 (due 10/23), hw06 (due 10/30), hw07 (due 11/13), hw08 (due 11/20), hw09 (due 12/02),
Email messages: greetings (email01, 9/8), h1n1 procedures (email02, 9/27), web materials of interest (email03, 11/18),
Additional information: course introduction (lecture01, 9/8), overview for first test (overview01, 10/2), overview for second test (overview02, 10/30), the $25 billion eigenvector (google2, 11/18), another important factorization (SVDBlockbuster, 11/18),
Students are encouraged to look at the web materials on linear algebra developed by MIT Professor Gil Strang.