Linear algebra begins with study of linear equations and encompasses the study of related structures such as matrices, vectors, and vector spaces. Early on in the course, we will be able to write down all of the solutions to a system of linear equations, and we’ll see how the introduction of concepts like matrices and vector spaces make these systems easier to study. We will study matrices and vector spaces in their own right, discussing concepts like determinants and inverses , geometry of n-dimensional Euclidean spaces, bases and linear independence, linear transformations and abstract vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, diagonalization, inner product spaces, the spectral theorem, and the singular value decomposition (SVD). In addition to the algebra, we will emphasize the underlying geometry throughout. We will try to motivate everything that we study, and hope to discuss applications of concepts we have learned to fields such as computer science, physics, and statistics.
Linear Algebra and its Applications, 5th edition by D. Lay, S. Lay, and J. Mcdonald, Pearson
| Instructor | Jack Petok | Bohan Zhou |
|---|---|---|
| Class | (C) MWF 10:20 - 11:25 | (F) MWF 2:35 - 3:40 |
| X-hour | (CX) Th 12:30 - 1:20 | (FX) Th 1:40 - 2:30 |
| Instructor | Jack Petok | Bohan Zhou |
|---|---|---|
| Office Hours | TBA | TBA |
| jack.petok AT dartmouth.edu | bzhou AT math.dartmouth.edu |
This course will run as a mix of asynchronous and synchronous activities. Lectures will be prerecorded and posted on Canvas. Office hours and problem solving sessions will be synchronous, and hopefully cover a wide range of times, so that everyone is able to participate.
There will be two timed take-home midterm exams (tentatively to be released on October 5 and October 26), and one take-home final during the final exam period.
If you have a question about how your exam was graded, you can ask your instructor; to have your exam regraded, please submit your question in writing to your instructor.
Before problem solving sessions, you should read the assigned section and watch the corresponding lecture, so that you can ask questions and participate actively. Questions and comments are encouraged, both in and out of class. If you have to miss a live session, make sure you get lecture notes from your fellow students.
You should read all emails and Canvas announcements from the instructors and TAs. You are responsible for the policies established in any electronic communications for this class, including emails, the web page, and the Canvas page
Academic integrity is at the core of our mission as mathematicians and educators, and we take it very seriously. We also believe in working and learning together.
Cooperation on homework is permitted and encouraged, but if you work together, try not take any paper away with you—in other words, you can share your thoughts (say on a blackboard), but try to walk away with only your understanding. In particular, you must write the solution up individually, in your own words. This applies to working with tutors as well: students are welcome to take notes when working with tutors on general principles and techniques and on other example problems, but must work on the assigned homework problems on their own. Please acknowledge any collaborators at the beginning of each assignment.
On exams, you may not give or receive help from anyone. Exams in this course are closed book, and no notes, calculators, or other electronic devices are permitted.
Plagiarism, collusion, or other violations of the Academic Honor Principle will be referred to the Committee on Standards.
The course grade will be based upon reading and class participation, the scores on the short exams, homework, and the final exam as follows:
| Written homework | 15% |
| WebWork | 15% |
| Midterm 1 | 20% |
| Midterm 2 | 20% |
| Final Exam | 30% |
Some students may wish to take part in religious observances that occur during this academic term. If you have a religious observance that conflicts with your participation in the course, please meet with your instructor before the end of the second week of the term to discuss appropriate accommodations.
Students who need academic adjustments or alternate accommodations for this course are encouraged to see their instructor privately as early in the term as possible. Students requiring disability-related academic adjustments and services must consult the Student Accessibility Services office (Carson Suite 125, 646-9900, Student.Accessibility.Services@Dartmouth.edu). Once SAS has authorized services, students must show the originally signed SAS Services and Consent Form and/or a letter on SAS letterhead to their professor. As a first step, if students have questions about whether they qualify to receive academic adjustments and services, they should contact the SAS office. All inquiries and discussions will remain confidential.