General Information

Prerequisite

None.

Content

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.

Textbook

Linear Algebra and its Applications, 5th edition by D. Lay, S. Lay, and J. Mcdonald, Pearson

Scheduled Lectures

Instructor Bohan Zhou
Class MWF 14:35 - 15:40
Office-hour Th 1:40 - 2:30
Email bzhou AT math.dartmouth.edu

Course Structure

This course will run as synchronous activities. Lectures will be deliveried lively and posted on Canvas.

Exams

There will be one timed online midterm exam (tentatively to be released on July 27th), 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.

Expectations

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

Homework 

  • This class will have weekly written homework and daily WebWork (due each class day)
  • WebWork links will be posted in the Calendar section of Canvas
  • The written homework assignments will be posted on Gradescope, usually posted on Wednesday and due the following Wednesday. Homework submission will take place through Gradescope. Late homework will not be accepted for ANY reason. Instead, your lowest written homework score and your lowest TWO WebWork scores will be dropped.
  • In written homework (and on exams), be sure that you show your work, explain all steps, and write neatly. A correct answer with no work shown or that cannot be read will receive minimal credit. This is good practice for what will be expected on exams.
  • If you have a question about how homework was graded, you can ask your instructor; to have it regraded, please submit your question in writing to your instructor.
  • Again, no late homework will be accepted.

The Academic Honor Principle

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.

Grades

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%
WebWorks, Attendance, Participation 15%
Midterm 30%
Final Exam 40%

Other Considerations

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.