Tips and Instructions
Choose a textbook. There are many good textbooks on linear algebra. Some popular choices include:
Linear Algebra with Applications by Gilbert Strang
Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler
Elementary Linear Algebra by Howard Anton
Linear Algebra with Applications by Keith Nicholson
Linear Algebra by Jim Hefferon
Check your syllabus. A syllabus will provide you with a roadmap for the course. It will list the topics that will be covered, the assignments that will be due, and the grading rubric.
Set up a study schedule. It is important to set aside time each week to study linear algebra. Make a schedule that works for you and stick to it.
Join a study group. Studying with others can be a great way to learn linear algebra. Find a few classmates who are also taking the course and form a study group.
Attend office hours. If you are struggling with a concept, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your professor or TA will be happy to help you understand the material.
Practice, practice, practice. The best way to learn linear algebra is to practice. Do the assigned problems, and try to find additional problems to practice.
Don't give up. Linear algebra can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding subject. Don't give up if you find it difficult. Keep practicing and you will eventually master the material.
Here are some additional tips for taking a summer linear algebra course:
Start early. Don't wait until the last minute to start studying. Give yourself plenty of time to learn the material.
Take breaks. Don't try to study for hours on end. Take breaks every 20-30 minutes to avoid getting burned out.
Reward yourself. When you reach a milestone, reward yourself with something you enjoy. This will help you stay motivated.
Have fun! Linear algebra can be a lot of fun. Enjoy the challenge and the opportunity to learn a new subject.
Course Description
Course Description:
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of linear algebra. Topics covered include:
Vectors and matrices
Systems of linear equations
Determinants
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Linear transformations
Prerequisites:
Calculus I
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the basic concepts of linear algebra
Solve systems of linear equations
Calculate determinants
Find eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices
Understand linear transformations
Course Schedule:
The course will meet for 120 minutes per day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The following is a tentative schedule of topics:
Module 1: Vectors, matrices and determinants
Introduction to vectors and matrices
Operations on vectors and matrices
Linear equations
Determinants
Cramer's rule
The sign of a determinant
Module 2: Vector Spaces
Vector spaces and subspaces
Linear dependence/ independence
Basis
Module 3: Linear transformations
Linear transformations
The matrix of a linear transformation
The inverse of a linear transformation
Fundamental subspaces
Least squares
Module 4: Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
The eigenvalue equation
Diagonalization
Module 4: Introduction to Differential Equations
Types of ODEs
First order ODEs and their solution
System of linear ODEs
Grading:
The course will be graded as follows:
Assignments: 15%
Quizzes: 25%
Mid-Term: 30
Final exam: 30%
Textbook:
The required textbook for this course is:
Linear Algebra with Applications, 4th Edition by Gilbert Strang.
Elementary Linear Algebra, 13th Edition by Howard Anton.
Linear Algebra with Applications by Keith Nicholson
Linear Algebra by Jim Hefferon
Additional Resources:
Linear Algebra Done Right, 3rd Edition by Sheldon Axler.
Paul's Online Math Notes: Linear Algebra.
Recommended Reading:
Linear Algebra and Its Applications, 3rd Edition by Jim Demmel.
Matrix Analysis and Applied Linear Algebra, 2nd Edition by Roger A. Horn and Charles R. Johnson.
Accommodations:
Assignments are due within a certain time period and there will be no extensions in the deadlines.
There are no make-up quizzes. If there is an OSA approved petition, you will be assigned an average based on your other quizzes.
Grading will be relative and there is a minimum threshold of 30%. There will be an F grade below 30%.
No Grade Reduction request shall be entertained.
Class Schedule: Tu, Thu 09:30-10:45 (SDSB B-2)
Instructor's Office Hours: Mon, Wed 3:30-04:00, Tu, Thu 13:00-15:00 (SSE- MATH 9B30)
Weekly Breakdown:
Week 1 Introduction to Linear Algebra, History of Linear Algebra, What are Linear systems?, How to model some linear systems (Traffic flow, Equation balancing etc.), Solution of a linear system, Parametric form of a solution.
Week 2 Geometric description of solutions in 2D and 3D, Matrix Algebra (Addition, Scaling, Transpose and Multiplication), Equivalence of linear systems with Matrix equations, Solving Linear systems using Elimination methods, REF, RREF, Rank of a matrix, Fixed and Free variables.
Quiz 1 (30-1-24) (Covering Week 1 and Week 2)
Week 3 Triangular matrices, Elementary matrices, LU Decomposition, Inverse of a matrix, Adjugate and determinant of a 2x2 matrix, Inverse using Elementary row operations.
Week 4 [Election Holidays]
Week 5 Determinant of higher orders, Properties of determinants, Cofactor expansions, Adjugate of higher orders, Cramer's Rule.
Quiz 2 (20-02-24) (Covering Week 3 and Week 5)
Week 6 Vector Spaces, Vector algebra in R^n, Dot Product, Cross Product, Projections, Applications of dot and cross products
Week 7 Lines and Planes in 3D, Distance between point and a line, Distance between point and a plane, Subspaces, Linear independence, Span and Basis.
Week 8 Dimension of a vector space, Linear Transformations.
Quiz 3 (07-03-24) (Comprehensive covering Week 1-7) Solution Key
MidTerm Exam+Key (09-03-24)
Week 9 Linear Transformations (Part of the Final Exam), Fundamental subspaces. [Continued from past week]. Decomposition of a vector space into orthogonal subspaces. Rank nullity Theorem, Some geometric linear transformations.
Week 10 Injective and surjective linear transformations, How to find inverse of a bijective linear transformation. Eigenvalues/Eigenvectors, characteristic polynomial, Cayley Hamilton Theorem.
Quiz 4 (26-03-24) (Covering Week 8 and Week 9 (before eigenvalues))
Week 11 Eigenvalues/Eigenvectors continued. Some applications involving eigenvalues/eigenvectors. Diagonalization of a matrix, Orthogonal diagonalization of a symmetric matrix.
Week 12 Introduction to differential equations. Basic notions. Solving certain first order ODEs (Separable, Linear, Homogenous, Bernoulli, Exact, Direct Substitution).
Quiz 5 (16-04-24) (Eigenvalues/Eigenvectors and Applications)
Week 13 ODEs continued. System of first order linear differential equations. Converting higher order ODEs to first order systems.
Week 14 Solving system of linear ODEs using eigenvalues/eigenvectors.
Quiz 6 (25-04-24) (Comprehensive Post Midterm)
Final Exam (29-04-24) [Post Midterm]