MAT 203

Linear Algebra

Winter 2004

 

Instructor: Bruce Armbrust, phone: 541-4660 ext. 314, email: armbrust@ltcc.edu

 

Office Hours: Room A210,             Mon.                            10:00 – 11:00 AM

Wed.                                    2:45  - 3:45 PM

Thurs.                                     12:30 - 1:30 PM

GMC G4,             Tues. & Thurs.            10:00 – 11:00 AM

And as always, by appointment.

 

Class Time and Location:             Mon. & Wed.               1:30 - 2:35 PM, F120

Tues. & Thurs.             1:30 - 2:35 PM, A209

 

Textbook: Introductory Linear Algebra with Applications, 7th Edition, by Kolman & Hill

 

Calculator: A graphing calculator is required for this class.  I will be demonstrating with the TI-89.

 

Course Description: This course covers linear equations, matrices, determinants, vector spaces, inner product spaces, linear transformations, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors and their applications to engineering and mathematics.

Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MAT 107 or equivalent.

 

Course Objectives:

The successful student will:

1)      exhibit a proficiency in the topics covered in the course;

2)      engage in critical thinking and problem solving; and

3)      translate technical information into mathematical statements, analyze information, formulate appropriate mathematical statements, solve problems and interpret solutions.

 

Course Grade: Your final letter grade will be based on the usual grading scale:

A 90-100%, B 80-89%, C 70-79%, D 60-69%, F 0-59%

The following items will make up the course grade:

Homework:                              200 points

Exam1 (January 22)

Exam2 (February 12):             500 points

Exam3 (March 5)

Final Exam (March ?):            300 points

 

Homework: Homework will be due by 4pm the day after it is assigned.  Homework not turned in at this time will be considered late. You may turn in homework up to one week after it is assigned for half credit.  If all homework is turned in, and no more than three are late, the lowest regular exam score will be dropped. 

 


Exams:  Students are to bring a pencil and blank scratch paper to each exam.  If you cannot make it to an exam (final not included), you may take it up to 2 school days prior to the scheduled date with proper arrangements.  Otherwise, the exam may be made up after the scheduled date with a penalty of 10% per day.

 

Registration Information: You must register for this class at the Office of Admissions and Records.  You may drop the class with no penalty or mark on your record on or before January 30.  After January 30, you may drop the class and receive a grade of W until March 5.  After March 5, if you are still enrolled, you will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I.

 

How to Succeed in a Math Class: I am often asked how to successfully pass a math class, and here is my advice:

 

I) Come to every class session.  Be prepared, and plan on participating.

II) Do your homework.  Remember that what I assign is what I consider a bare minimum.  If you need more practice, do it.

III) Read the book.  You paid good money for it, so you might as well use it.

IV) Make use of available tutors and my office hours.  You will find tutors who know the subject matter in this course at the GMC.

V) Do math every day.  Math is just like everything else: if you don’t practice, you become rusty.

 

Learning Disabled Students: It is important that students who are identified as being learning disabled speak to me about their special needs.  I am more than willing to grant you reasonable accommodations.

 

Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty of any form will not be tolerated.  Students caught cheating on exams or quizzes will receive a score of zero on the assignment for the first offense and a course grade of F for the second offense.  Students may work together on homework assignments (and, in fact, are encouraged to) as long as all students understand the material covered.

 

Class Schedule: We will cover the following sections from the book: 1.1-1.6, 3.1-3.3, 4.1-4.3, 6.1-6.9, B1, 8.1-8.3, and 10.1-10.4.  In addition, we will talk about many applications of linear algebra.  Some of these will come from the book (Ch. 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11) as well as from other sources.  I have not determined which applications we will do.  I hope to have you help me decide what we will talk about.