* * * * *
Instructor: Luke
Gutzwiller
E-mail:
gutzwill@math.washington.edu
Office: Padelford
C-8M
Office Hours:
Homework will be due (almost) every week on Friday. Late homeworks will not be accepted after 3.30 on the due date.
This course is an introduction to linear algebra: Gaussian elimination and systems of linear equations, matrices, vector spaces, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and their ilk. While we'll focus more on the practical than the theoretical side of things, I will attempt to at least sketch a proof for each of our various theorems. Students are not expected to have any prior knowledge of matrices (but it couldn't hurt); the course should be more or less self-contained. Math 126 is a prerequisite, so students should all be familiar with the vector spaces R2 and R3; I won't spend much time on these spaces in class.
The textbook is Introduction to Linear Algebra, Fifth Edition, by Johnson et al. The University Book Store should have this in stock, and Odegaard Undergraduate Library and the Math Library should each have a copy on reserve. There is also a solutions manual for some of the exercises, but it is entirely optional. Linear Algebra and Its Applications by David Lay should also be on reserve, if you wish to consult another source.
I plan to cover the following sections:
I have a tentative schedule online here.
There is a class message board here. Post questions if you have them; answer other people's if you can. I will read and respond to your messages, but I'd prefer you to work things out amongst yourselves.
Grades will be based on weekly homeworks, two midterms, and a final exam. Homework will be worth 30% of your grade, each midterm 20%, and the final 30%. I will offer extra credit problems and projects aperiodically throughout the quarter.
The two midterms will be given during our usual class time. The first midterm will be Friday, 23 April. The second will be Friday, 21 May. The final exam is currently scheduled for Wednesday, 9 June, from 8.30 to 10.20 in the morning. All exams will be held in our usual room, LOW 205.
Zach Treisman has some sample midterm exams from a previous incarnation of 308 on his web site, here at the bottom of the page. I have solutions to his Practice Midterm #1 online right here. Dr Ralph Greenberg has some sample final exams with detailed solutions up on his website. Here is the 2001 exam without solutions, and here is the 2003 exam.
You can find solutions for the practice problems I handed out in class in .pdf format here.
The final has come and gone! You can view a .pdf version of the exam here, and solutions here. I'll be around throughout the summer quarter if you'd like to drop by and collect your exam.