Math 24, Honors Linear Algebra (Spring 2013)
General Comments on the Course:
Linear algebra is a branch of modern algebra in which the theory of vector spaces, linear transformations (functions between vector spaces), and matrices are studied. The emphasis is on abstraction and the main methods consist of definitions, theorems and their proofs, and examples. Since this is usually the first mathematics course in which proofs are central, it is important for students to understand the logical progression of a proof and to be able to prove simple results on their own. In addition to being a part of pure mathematics, linear algebra has applications in many areas, including but not limited to mathematics, physical and biological sciences, and economics.
Announcements:
The final exam can be found at Final Exam. It is due by 11:00 am on Friday, May 31. Please bring the exam to Room 207 Kemeny Hall. If no one is there slip the exam under the door.
The take-home portion of the second midterm exam can be found at Midterm 2. It is due by 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 21. Please bring the exam to Room 207 Kemeny Hall. If no one is there slip the exam under the door.
A sketch of the solutions of the seventh homework assignment can be found at Homework 7.
There will be a Q & A session on Wednesday, May 15 from 7:00 to 8:30 in Room 105.
A sketch of the solutions of the sixth homework assignment can be found at Homework 6.
The Syllabus and Homework page has been modified on May 2, so please check it before doing homework.
A sketch of the solutions of the fifth homework assignment can be found at Homework 5.
A sketch of the solutions of the fourth homework assignment can be found at Homework 4.
The solutions to the take-home part of the first midterm exam can be found at midterm 1 solutions.
The take-home portion of the first midterm exam can be found at Midterm 1. It is due by 6:00 pm on Monday, April 22. Please bring the exam to Room 207 Kemeny Hall. If no one is there slip the exam under the door.
A sketch of the solutions of the third homework assignment can be found at Homework 3.
The in-class portion of the first midterm exam will be held during the x-hour on Thursday, April 18. You are responsible for the syllabus for the first three weeks. The take-home portion will be posted on Thursday afternoon, April 18 and is due the following Monday afternoon.
There will be a Q & A session held in Room 105 Kemeny on Wednesday, April 17 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. This is not a review so please bring questions. Attendance is optional and you can come and leave at any time during the session. Also Homework 3 will not be returned before the exam on Thursday so you may want to make a copy before submitting it.
A sketch of the solutions of the second homework assignment can be found at Homework 2.
A sketch of the solutions of the first homework assignment can be found at Homework 1.
General Information
Linear Algebra (Fourth Edition) by S. Friedberg, A. Insel and L. Spence
Classes held Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:00 - 11:05 (x-hour
Thursday, 12:00 - 12:50) in Kemeny Hall, Room 105.
It is each student's responsibility to be aware of academic deadlines as stated by the Registrar.
Martin(o) Arkowitz
Office: 207 Kemeny Hall
Office hours:
After each class, Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00, and by appointment
Phone: 646-2419 or BlitzMail (preferred)
- Readings and homework from the text will be assigned for each class period and homework will be collected weekly. For the assignments, see Syllabus and Homework Assignments. Homework which is listed on the syllabus for week n is due on Monday of week n+1.
Important: Tutorials will be held on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 in Haldeman Room 028. They will be run by Nicolas Petit, a graduate student in the Mathematics Department. This is the place to go to get help with your homework.
- Each of the two midterm exams will have an in-class part and a take-home part. The in-class part is scheduled to take place during the x-hour of the fourth and the eighth week. Specifically, the first in-class midterm will be on Thursday, April 18, 12:00-12:50 and the second will be on Thursday, May 16, 12:00-12:50. The final exam has been scheduled by the Registrar for June 1 at 8:00.
- The course grade will be based upon the exams and the homework assignments. Class attendance and participation will be considered in assigning letter grades at the end of the term in borderline cases. The distribution of points is as follows.
| First Midterm Exam |
100 points |
| Second Midterm Exam |
100 points |
| Final Exam |
150 points |
Homework
|
100 points
|
| Total |
450 points |
- On Exams: No help given or received.
- On Homework: Students are encouraged to work together with one or two classmates and/or to seek help. What is important in doing homework is the eventual comprehension of the solution of the problem.
When a student writes up a homework problem it is to be his or her own understanding of how to solve the problem. The solutions that a student submits must be written by him or her alone. Any copying of another person's solutions will be regarded as a violation of the Honor Code.
| Disabilities and Religious Observance |
- Students with learning, physical, or psychiatric disabilities enrolled in this course who may need disability-related
accommodations are encouraged to meet with the instructor before the end of the second week of the term. All discussions will
remain confidential, although the
Student Accessibility Services office may be consulted.
- Students who miss classes because of religious observance need not inform the instructor in advance. However, to get full credit for late homework due to religious observance, it is necessary to inform the instructor in advance.