Description
The simplest kind of equations are linear equations such as x+y=3, whose graph is literally a line. Add more variables and equations, and you've got a linear system.
This course covers the basic concepts of systems of linear equations and their solutions. Topics include the row reduction algorithm, matrices, determinants, eigenvectors. Applications include differential equations, Markov chains, least squares problems, and Google PageRank.
Times and Places
Lectures will take place Tues. and Thurs., 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm in CAS 224.
Office hours will take place Tues. 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm in CDS 543.
Discussion C2 will meet Mon. 8:00 am in CAS 325.
Discussion C3 will meet Mon. 9:05 am in CAS 325.
Discussion C4 will meet Mon. 10:10 am in CAS 320.
Discussion C5 will meet Mon. 3:35 pm in CAS 227.
Discussion C6 will meet Mon. 4:40 pm in CAS 229.
Textbook
Linear Algebra and its Applications, 6th ed., by Lay, Lay, and McDonald. You may also purchase the MyLab Math feature from the publisher, but this is not required. We will cover Chapters 1 - 6.
Discussion Sections
The discussion section is an opportunity for you to engage with the course material in a smaller classroom, under the supervision of a teaching assistant (TA). Starting 9/16, each section will begin with a 10-minute quiz.
Your TA is Ashutosh Roy Choudhury (ashutosh@bu.edu).
Assignments and Exams
Assignments will be due on Tuesdays at 5 pm. You will submit your assignments electronically via an app called Gradescope. You can complete your assignments on paper and upload photos via this app. The grader might not grade every single problem but rather a representative sample (which will be the same set of problems for every student).
There are two midterms, which will be administered during class. There is also a two-hour final exam on Friday, December 20, 3:00pm – 5:00pm.
Grades
Final grades in the class will be computed according to this rubric:
30% Homework
10% Quizzes
20% Midterm I (10/10)
20% Midterm II (11/14)
20% Final Exam (12/20)
I will drop the lowest homework assignment. This policy is meant to accommodate emergencies.
If you cannot make one of the exams, please let me know in advance and I will try to make some arrangement.
Academic Integrity
You must pledge that the work that you submit in this class is your own. (Working together on assignments is allowed, but you should write them up in your own words.) If you are found violating principles of academic integrity, we will pursue an academic misconduct case against you with the Dean's Office.
Slides for the first day of class: Why are we here?