MAT 150 -- Spring 2010
Linear Algebra and Mathematica with Applications
A: TuTh, 8:30-9:45 am
B: TuTh, 10:00-11:15 am
Chambers 3146
Course Description
- Instructor:
-
Stephen L. Davis; click here for my
weekly schedule.
- Text & Software:
-
- D. Lay, Linear Algebra and its Applications, 3/e (Updated), Addison-Wesley, 2003.
- Mathematica for Students,
Wolfram Research, Inc., 2009 (semester or longer copy)
Topics in this course include matrices, vector spaces, linear independence,
orthogonality, eigenvalues, and linear transformations.
The dates of introduction for sections in Lay's text are approximated
in the table below.
We will use the Mathematica computing environment to relieve some
for the mundane arithmetical chores of the course, to provide an opportunity
for computationally intensive investigations, and to reveal some of the
geometric properties of our algebraic objects.
No prior experience with Mathematica is assumed.
Some assignments in this course may be done collaboratively,
while others must be done independently.
Generally, homework exercises are open for discussion,
though it is always assumed that you can defend whatever you turn in.
Mathematica-based assignments will ordinarily accomplished with a partner.
On a given event, it should be clear what level of peer assistance is permissable,
but do not hesitate to ask for clarification if the ground rules are vague.
Come to every class meeting and come on time.
Missing class deprives both you of a first-hand class experience
and your classmates of your particular perspectives.
I monitor attendance;
excessive or repeated absences
can trigger action to encourage more faithful attendance.
In any event, you are responsible for all material discussed in class,
whether you are present or absent.
There will be four "take-home" writs and one in-class review as indicated below.
We will also have a final examination and several Mathematica-based
assignments.
Other factors, such as participation in class and persistence with homework,
may provide additional color to this evaluation.
With a "writ" being the unit of measure, reviews will be worth 2 writs each,
the Final Examination will carry the weight of 3 writs,
Mathematica-based assignments will be worth 2 writs,
and other considerations will account for at most 1 writ.
Thus, the recipe for your grade in this course is distributed as roughly
- 2 parts reviews,
- 4 parts writs,
- 3 parts examination,
- 2 parts Mathematica-based assignments, and
- <= 1 parts "other."
( volatile! )
| Date
| Section |
Event |
Chapter Topic |
| Jan 12, 14 |
MAA/AMS mtg
1.1, 1.2 | MAA/AMS mtg
Mathematica intro |
instructor away |
1: Linear Equations |
| Jan 19, 21 |
1.3, 1.4 | 1.5 |
|
| Jan 26, 28 |
1.6, 1.7 | 1.8 |
Weekend Writ #1 |
| Feb 2, 4 |
1.9 | 2.1, 2.2 |
|
2: Matrix Algebra |
| Feb 9, 11 |
2.3 | 2.4, 2.7 |
|
| Feb 16, 18 |
2.8 | 2.9 |
Weekend Writ #2 |
| Feb 23, 25 |
.. | 3.1, 3.2 |
|
3: Determinants |
| Mar 2, 4 |
no class | no class |
Spring Break |
| Mar 9, 11 |
3.3; 4.9 | Review |
|
| Mar 16, 18 |
4.1-4.3 | 4.4, 4.7 |
|
4: Vector Spaces |
| Mar 23, 25 |
.. | 5.1, 5.2 |
|
5: Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors |
| Mar 30, Apr 1 |
5.3 | 5.4, 5.5 |
Mid-Week Writ #3 |
| Apr 6, 8 |
no class | 5.6 |
|
| Apr 13, 15 |
6.1, 6.2 | 6.3 |
|
6: Orthogonality & Least Squares |
| Apr 20, 22 |
6.4, 6.5 | 7.1 |
Weekend Writ #4 |
7: Symmetric Matrices & Quadratic Forms |
| Apr 27, 29 |
7.2, 7.3 | 7.4 |
|
| May 4, 6 |
debrief | Reading Day |
|
|
| May 7-12 |
Final Examination |