Course Essentials

Course Description

This introduction to linear algebra includes matrix algebra, Gaussian elimination, determinant of a matrix, vector spaces, liner transformations, orthogonality, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and computational methods.

REQUIRED MATERIALS AND MINDSET

Computer/tablet with internet access and webcam: Since I hold my Happy Hours online, you must be required to have internet access. It would be nice to have a webcam so that I can see you.
Required Textbook: “Elementary Linear Algebra 8e” by Ron Larson. (ISBN#978-1-305-65800-4)
Calculators: Although calculators will not be allowed on some tests, the use of a graphic calculator is required and strongly recommended. The Math Department generally recommends the TI-83, TI-83 Plus, or TI-84. The only calculators allowed on the tests/quizzes where a calculator is permitted will be the TI-83/84. We will be using a computer program called Octave. Octave is a free version of Matlab. You can buy a student version of Matlab and use that instead of Octave if you wish. Octave is installed on many computers in the Math Learning Center. You can download and install Octave on your computer if you wish.

Determination, positive attitude, hard work, and desire to succeed!

Information on homework and exams

📓 Keep an Organized Notebook
Keep an organized notebook in which you write out all homework problems in order, showing all steps and using correct algebraic notation.

📝 Homework

Homework will be collected this semester.
Assignments will be announced in class, and I’ll let you know which section(s) are due on which day.
You must upload one single PDF file (not multiple files) by the due date.
- 📄 Tips for combining multiple photos into one PDF are listed under the Syllabus tab in Canvas.
⏰ Late homework will receive a 5% deduction.
Homework will be graded either on completion or on specific problems chosen from the assignment.

👉 It is your responsibility to find out from your classmates (not me) if you missed the announcement about when homework is due.

✅ Completing all homework on time is essential to your success in this class. Don’t fall behind—catching up right before an exam is extremely difficult!

💻 Matlab/Octave Homework

You will be assigned about 8 sets of Matlab/Octave homework throughout the semester.
⏰ Late work will receive a 5% penalty.
Due dates will be announced in lecture, and (like regular homework) it’s your responsibility to stay updated.

🧾 Exams

There will be 3 exams and a final exam.
Exams may be taken early if circumstances warrant. Please see me at least one week in advance of the scheduled date if you need this option.
❌ No make-up exams will be allowed. Be sure you are aware of all exam dates.
🔔 Please note: there are no dropped exams in this course. A missed exam will count as a zero.

Math 270 Course Student Learning Outcome

For a given set of problems the student will demonstrate quantitative reasoning by developing a problem-solving strategy, performing appropriate analysis and computation, and critically assessing the meaning of the conclusion or outcome.

Core Competencies

Intellectual and practical skills, including quantitative literacy and problem solving, will be practiced extensively across the curriculum in the context of progressively more challenging problems, projects, and standards for performance.

Tips on how to be successful in this class:

Complete the current section's written homework right after each lecture or the next day.
Be prepared to turn in your homework in advance.
Keep up with pace of the class to aid with deeper understanding.
Engage during lectures, in practice opportunities.
Email me right away at lnakamura@miracosta.edu if you have any questions or get 'stuck' on a problem
Attend my Happy Hours
Reach out to your teammates!

Time commitment

Studying Math: The State of California accreditation standard requires that 1 unit of Academic Credit represents a minimum of 48 total hours of student work. More info from the State of California can be found (see page 10and 11) by clicking this link. A 4 unit (16 week) class requires about 12 hours a week. A 4 unit (17 week) class requires about 12~13 hours a week: attending class (and/or watching videos or reading materials), re-reading, completing homework, reviewing, etc.

You can expect to spend a minimum of 12 hours per week in this class. Yes, I know this sounds traumatic and it is a lot, but please note that studying math requires a lot of practice which requires a lot of your time.

Do not allow yourself to fall behind in your work. Catching up before a test is an extremely difficult task!!

FINAL NOTE:

In mathematics, there are many ways to learn concepts. At the first stages, we are told things by parents or teachers and we take them as fact. Later, we may grow to begin to see patterns and ideas that we think are true but aren’t sure why. The final stage is knowing something and being able to show why it is true. We summarize these options as 3 following levels of knowledge:

Someone told me so. (teacher/parent/friend/etc)
I think it is true, and I can find examples to demonstrate my thinking.
I know something either is or is not true and I can show evidence to support my claim.

We should push for level 3 with evidence and support for statements made. With “why” vs. “how” in this course, while both are important, this course will emphasize concepts over process.

Welcome to Math 270! I hope you have a great learning experience!

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