UMBC LRC

MATH 221-02 [2662], Fall 2014
Introduction to Linear Algebra


Course information

Course: MATH 221-02 [2662]: Introduction to Linear Algebra
Time/Place: TuTh 1:00pm-2:15pm, MP 104
Instructor: Dr.  Jacob Kogan Grader: Rachel Linder
Office: MP 426
Phone: 410-455-3297
Email: kogan at math.umbc.edu rlinder1@umbc.edu
Office hours: Tu, Th 3:00 PM-4:00 PM and by appointment


Textbook

Linear Algebra and Its Applications (fourth edition) by Lay, Addison-Wesley, 2012.

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 Quiz Solutions Old Quiz
Tuesday, September 23 20 pt Sec. 1.1-1.5, 1.7 quiz 1 quiz 1 quiz 1
Tuesday, October 14 20 pt Sec. 1.8-1.9, 2.1-2.3 quiz 2 quiz 2 quiz 2
Thursday, November 13 20 pt Sec. 4.1-4.6 quiz 3 quiz 3 quiz 3
Tuesday, December 2 20 pt Sec. 3.1-3.2, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.2 quiz 4 quiz 4 quiz 4
Thursday, December 16 50 pt final

The final exam is from 1:00 pm through 3:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, 2014.
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

The Official UMBC Honors Code

By enrolling in this course, each student assumes the responsibilities of an active participant in UMBC's scholarly community in which everyone's academic work and behavior are held to the highest standards of honesty. Cheating, fabrication, plagiarism, and helping others to commit these acts are all forms of academic dishonesty, and they are wrong. Academic misconduct could result in disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, suspension or dismissal.

To read the full Student Academic Conduct Policy, consult the UMBC Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, the UMBC Integrity webpage www.umbc.edu/integrity, or the Graduate School website http://www.umbc.edu/gradschool/procedures/integrity.html.