Math 231 - Linear Algebra

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Instructor: Brian Lins
Class Times & Location: MTWF 12:30-12:20 Bagby 217
Office Hours: See my weekly schedule, and also by appointment.
Text: Linear Algebra, by Jim Hefferon.

Announcements

• Midterm 3 materials: (review problems), (grade distribution).
• Midterm 2 materials: (review problems), (midterm solutions), (grade distribution).
• Here are two solutions to the extra credit problem on quiz 4.
• Midterm 1 materials: (review problems) and (grade distribtion).

Course Materials

• I recommend downloading FreeMat which is a free Matlab clone. I encourage you to use Matlab/FreeMat as a matrix calculator when you are doing your homework.
• The textbook for this course is free and can be downloaded online from this link. A print copy can also be purchased on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Linear-Algebra-Jim-Hefferon/dp/0982406215. I highly recommend buying the print copy.

Tentative Schedule

The schedule below is tentative, and may be subject to change. Changes will be announced in class, and you are responsible for knowing about any changes even if you miss the class when they are announced.

Course Description

Math 231 will cover chapters 1-5, on linear systems, vector spaces, linear mappings, determinants, and eigenvectors/eigenvalues. We will also cover applications as time permits.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in this class is required. Repeated absences may result in a forced withdrawal from the course. You are responsible for any material you miss due to absence. Please let me know ahead of time if you know that you will not be able to attend class.

Grading Policy

The term grade will be based on the results of the examinations, the scores on homework quizzes, and on a final group presentation.

Exams

There will be three in-class midterm exams and a cumulative final. The exams will be closed book and calculators will not be permitted.

Homework & Quizzes

Homework problems will be assigned after every lecture. You are expected to complete all problems assigned. The assigned problems will not be collected however. Instead, every Wednesday there will be a homework quiz during which you must copy problems from your homework to the quiz. You may also have to solve an additional problem similar to the homework problems. You may not use your textbook during the homework quizzes, but you may use your homework and notes. There are no make-up quizzes. The lowest homework quiz grade will be dropped from your average. As with the exams, no calculators are allowed during the quizzes, however you are encouraged to use calculators when you do the homework.

Special Accommodations

In compliance with the Hampden-Sydney College policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be recommended for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made at the beginning of the semester (except for unusual circumstances) so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Students are required to contact the Office of Academic Success in order to verify their eligibility for appropriate accommodations.

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