Math 22: Linear Algebra with Applications

Summer 2020


Instructors and Lectures information
Instructor Yitong Huang
Lecture MWF 10:10 - 11:15AM (EST)
x-Hour Thursday, 12:15-1:05 (EST)
Classroom Zoom
Email Yitong Huang
Office Hours TBA
Office Zoom
Course Description

Linear algebra is the study of vector spaces and the linear transformations between such spaces. In this class we will work mostly with the vector space Rn. We will learn how to represent linear transformations with matrices and study different types of linear transformations, such as diagonalizable transformations. During the last weeks of classes we will concentrate on applications. For a more detailed description on the topics we will learn in this class see the day to day syllabus.

Linear algebra is very important for both pure and applied mathematics. This is one of the reasons that it is a prerequisite for almost all of your math major courses and other STEM subjects. The techniques of linear algebra are used in engineering, physics, natural sciences, computer science and economics. For example, when we combine calculus with linear algebra we can solve linear systems of differential equations.

Goals of the course:

  • Students will learn the main concepts and techniques in linear algebra.
  • Students will learn some applications of linear algebra.
  • Students will be prepared for more advanced courses in mathematics, computer science, physics and any other subject that require linear algebra.
    "Mathematics is not for spectators; in order to gain in understanding, confidence, and enthusiasm one has to participate." M.A. Armstrong
    • Textbook
    David Lay, Lay and McDonald Linear Algebra and its applications, Fifth edition (ISBN: 978-0321982384).
    Exams
    DateTime & Location
    Midterm #1 July 16 Home
    Midterm #2 August 6 Home
    Final Exam TBA Home

    The midterms will be 2-hours in length and the final a 3-hour exam. We will use Canvas to administer all the exams and you will have a 24-hour window to take the exam on the dates listed above.

    Grades
    The course grade will be computed as follows:

    Percent of Final Grade
    WebWork 15
    Midterms 30 (15 each)
    Homework 15
    Quiz 10
    Participation 10
    Final Exam 20

    Students will be graded on class participation. We will be using the Discussions in Canvas and to get full credit for participation you will have to answer and post questions every week. In addition, you should come to class, if possible, and watch the videos.
    Homework Policy
      Written Homework: Written homework assignments will be assigned once a week and will be posted on the homework page and it will be collected once a week every Friday via Canvas. No late homework will be accepted. Please do not ask for extensions on the homework.
    • Check the homework page for due dates for the written homework.
    • Unexcused late and missing assignments count zero. It is your responsibility to keep track of your homework grades.
    • Homework is to be written neatly make sure not to write too close to the margins, otherwise when you scan it there might be missing information. Make sure that before you submit your homework you check to make sure that all information has been scanned and that it can be read.
    • Use English. If you can't read your solutions aloud as fluently as if you were reading a textbook, try using nouns and verbs in your write ups!
      • If you do not follow these guidelines, your written homework will be returned to you ungraded.
      WebWork: The daily web-based problems can be accessed via the WeBWorK homepage. See also the WeBWorK login containing a FAQ and quick start guide.

      It is highly recommended that you keep a notebook in which you write up your WeBWorK homework (including your work as well as the answers). Then when you are studying for exams, you will have a record of your work to which to refer.

      WeBWorK assigned from each class is due at the beginning of the next class. There will be a two day built-in grace period for each WeBWork assignment to allow you to complete the assignment.

      Participation Homework: We will use Discussions in Canvas. The professor will post some discussion prompts and students will receive credit for answering questions or posting thread for discussion. Please reserve the discussion to topics in linear algebra. If you are attending our regular zoom meetings, then you have to post in Discussions ideally at least once per week. If on the other hand, you are in a time zone that makes it impossible to attend our regular meetings, then you should post more times per week, ideally three times, corresponding to the days of the class. If there is any problem (such as poor internet connectivity, illness, etc. ) that prevents you from joining the Discussion board, please let us know and we will find other ways for you to participate in the class.
    Honor Principle
    Students are encouraged to work together to do homework problems. What is important is a student's eventual understanding of homework problems, and not how that is achieved.

    The honor principle on homework: What a student turns in as a homework solution is to be his or her own understanding of how to do the problem. Students must state what sources they have consulted, with whom they have collaborated, and from whom they have received help, if you did not talk with anyone or consulted any source, please write "No Collaborators". It is a violation of the honor code to copy solutions from problems posted on the web or book or any other source. The solutions you submit must be written by you alone. Any copying (electronic or otherwise) of another person's solutions, in whole or in part, is a violation of the Honor Code. For example, it is a breach of the honor code to read the solutions of someone else in order to write your solution.

    The honor principle on exams: Students may not give or receive assistance of any kind on an exam from any person except for the professor or someone explicitly designated by the professor to answer questions about the exam.

    If you have any questions as to whether some action would be acceptable under the Academic Honor Code, please speak to me I will be glad to help clarify things. It is always easier to ask beforehand than to have trouble later!
    Disabilities, Mental Health and Religious Observances
    Students requesting disability-related accommodations and services for this course are encouraged to schedule a phone/video meeting with me as early in the term as possible. This conversation will help to establish what supports are built into my online course. In order for accommodations to be authorized, students are required to consult with Student Accessibility Services (SAS; student.accessibility.services@dartmouth.edu; SAS website; 603-646-9900) and to email me their SAS accommodation form. We will then work together with SAS if accommodations need to be modified based on the online learning environment. If students have questions about whether they are eligible for accommodations, they should contact the SAS office. All inquiries and discussions will remain confidential.

    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.

    Being a student is challenging, our terms are intensive, and in this term in particular your classes are probably not the only demanding part of your life. While most of you are not on campus, there are still a number of resources available to you to support your wellness, including your undergraduate dean (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~upperde/), Counseling and Human Development (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chd/), and the Student Wellness Center (http://www.dartmouth.edu/~healthed/).