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 Quizzes

📓 Keep an Organized Notebook

You are expected to keep an organized notebook in which you write out all assigned homework problems in order, showing all steps and using correct algebraic notation.

Although homework is not collected, your notebook will be an essential study tool for quizzes and exams.

📝 Homework (Practice-Based — Not Submitted)

Homework assignments will not be collected. However, completing the homework is strongly recommended and is one of the most important ways to succeed in this course. Homework problems are carefully chosen to prepare you for:

Quizzes
Exams
Understanding key concepts and proofs discussed in the lecture

👉 Trying to catch up on homework right before a quiz or exam is extremely difficult — consistent practice throughout the semester is essential.

If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to find out from your classmates (not me) which sections were assigned.

💻 MATLAB / Octave Assignments

In addition to regular homework, there will be MATLAB/Octave assignments throughout the semester.

Due dates will be announced during lecture
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain the due date from your classmates (not from me)
All MATLAB/Octave assignments must be submitted as ONE single PDF file by the deadline
⏰ Late submissions will receive a 5% deduction

These assignments are designed to reinforce concepts from lecture and help you develop computational skills relevant to Linear Algebra.

📝 Quizzes

There will be multiple quizzes throughout the semester.
All quizzes must be submitted through Canvas.

Many quizzes will be computer-generated
Additional quizzes may be handwritten, depending on the topic and learning goals
Some quizzes may focus specifically on key ideas, definitions, and proofs discussed in lecture

If a quiz is handwritten, you will be given clear instructions on how to:

Complete the quiz
Scan or photograph your work
Upload it as one single PDF file in Canvas
⏰ Late submissions will receive a 5% deduction

📄 Tips for combining multiple photos into one PDF are available under the Syllabus tab in Canvas.

Please note that quiz format and frequency may vary, and you are expected to be comfortable communicating mathematics both digitally and by hand.

🧾 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 if you need this option.
❌ No make-up exams will be given.
🔔 There are no dropped exams in this course. A missed exam will result in a score of 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 if you are asked to do so.
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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