MATH 221-02 [5582], Fall 2011
Introduction to Linear Algebra


Course information

Course: MATH 221-02 [5582]: Introduction to Linear Algebra
Time/Place: MoWe 2:30pm-3:45pm, AC IV 151
Instructor: Dr.  Jacob Kogan Grader: Nikhil Puranik
Office: MP 426
Phone: 410-455-3297
Email: kogan at math.umbc.edu puranik1@umbc.edu
Office hours: Mo 3:45 PM-4:30 PM and by appointment


Textbook

Linear Algebra and Its Applications (third edition) by Lay, Addison-Wesley, 2003. Text webpage is http://www.laylinalgebra.com.

Course Description

Linear Algebra deals with systems of linear equations, their fundamental properties, and transformations of vector spaces. The basic objects of the course are vectors and matrices.

Linear algebra techniques are widely used in many areas, such as mathematics, engineering, economics, finance. They are also cornerstones for a variety of advance classes in science and engineering. The course will describe basic basic concepts and tools of linear algebra.

We will try to cover the following material: Sections 1.1-1.9, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.2, 4.1-4.6, 5.2-5.3, 6.1-6.4.
We may cover these topics in a different order. Depending on time we may cover more (or delete) topics.

Course Objectives

The following three topics will be emphasized:

  1. the algebra of linear equations and matrices,
  2. the geometry of vector spaces,
  3. algorithms for solving linear equations.
By the end of the class one should know:

Homework, Quizzes, Tests, and Grading

Homework Quizzes, Tests, and Grading

The final grade will be based on homework grades (20 pt), four quizzes (20 pt each), and the comprehensive final (50 pt).

Date Points Topic Solutions
Wednesday, February 16 20 pt Sec. 1.1-1.5 quiz 1
Wednesday, March 16 20 pt Sec. 1.7-1.9, 2.1-2.3, 4.1-4.2 quiz 2
Wednesday, April 13 20 pt Sec. 4.3-4.4, 5.1-5.3 quiz 3
Wednesday, May 4 20 pt Sec. 3.2, 3.3, 6.1, 6.2 quiz 4
Friday, May 20 50 pt material covered by 4 quizzes and Sec. 6.5

The final exam is from 1:00 pm through 3:00 pm on Friday, May 20.
There will be no make up quizzes or tests.
Letter grade cutoffs are expected to be the following:
Percentage ≥ 90% 89% ≥ and ≥ 80% 79% ≥ and ≥ 70% 69% ≥ and ≥ 60% 59% ≥
Letter Grade A B C D F


Remember: Mathematics is NOT a spectator sport.
Read through the relevant section of the text (and look over all the assigned problems) before each lecture.

Homework assignments