Math 254: Introduction to Linear Algebra


Course number: 22156
Fall 2009
MWF, 12:00 -12:50.
GMCS 214
San Diego State University
Final Exam: Wed. Dec. 16, 10:30-12:30

No class Wed. Nov 11, Veteran's day. No class Wed. Nov 25. furlough day. Our last day of class: F. Dec. 11


Professor: Mike O'Sullivan
Email: m.osullivan@math.sdsu.edu
Office: GMCS #579, 594-6697
Office Hours: MWF 8:15-9:45, 11:00-11:35.
              You may also stop by on Tu or Th afternoon. If I am in and available, we can talk.
              Other times: by appointment.

Text

Lay, Linear Algebra and Its Applications 3rd ed.
Review for the first exam.
Review for the second exam.
Review for the third exam.
Review for the final.

Detailed Information

SCHEDULE
ASSIGNMENTS


Course Description

Linear algebra is one of the most widely used and fundamental areas of mathematics. Linear algebra is an important tool in virtually all physical sciences, in economics and other social sciences, and in engineering. It is an important companion to calculus, but the flavor of the subject is different, as you will see in this course.

We will study matrices, rectangular arrays of numbers, and see how they are used in a variety of ways. First, matrices are used to solve systems of linear equations. They are an efficient means for recording the steps that are used to solve the system. Second, matrices are used to define functions, which we call linear transformations. An n x m matrix defines a function from m -dimensional space to n -dimensional space. From this perspective, solving a system of equations is essentially finding the preimages for an element of the n -dimensional space. Third, matrices are used to define a change of coordinate system.

Prerequisites

The main prerequisite is high school algebra.

Schedule

Here is a rough idea of the amount of time I expect to spend on each topic. A day by day schedule (see above) will be maintained to keep you informed of upcoming and past lectures.

Grading

Written assignments should be carefully and neatly presented.

The expected weights of the work are given below, but this is subject to change.

Weekly work 250
Tests 450
Final 300
Total 1000