MATH 2360: Linear Algebra

Course Details

• Instructor: Dr. B. K. Ghosh
• Text: Linear Algebra with Applications, 7th edition, by S. J. Leon, published by Pearson

Material Covered

• Chapter 1 — Sections 1–4
• Chapter 2 — Sections 1–3
• Chapter 3 — Sections 1–6
• Chapter 4 — Sections 1–3
• Chapter 5 — Sections 1–3 and 5–6
• Chapter 6 — Sections 1–3

Evaluation

There will be three exams, each one hour and twenty minutes long, and each counting 20% of your grade. The exact exam dates will be announced in class. The final exam will count 20% of your final grade and will be held on a day prescribed by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Texas Tech University.

There will be no make-up exams except for sickness or participation in a university-sponsored event. In such circumstances, evidence of your sickness or participation in a university-sponsored event must be presented to the instructor.

There will be 10 homework assignments, each worth 3% of the final grade. However, only a maximum total of 20% of the final grade will come from homework.

Grading Policy

Student Learning Outcomes

It is essential that the presentation be very elementary with a great deal of attention directed to solving specific problems in order to meet with any great degree of success. This is not intended to be a course in abstract mathematics. Rigor, with proofs, is expected, but all examples and applications should be concrete.

MATH 2360 satisfies the university core curriculum requirement in mathematics: Students graduating from Texas Tech University should be able to demonstrate the ability to apply quantitative and logical skills to solve problems. It meets the following TTU general education student learning outcomes for mathematics in that students will:

• apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, statistical, and logical reasoning to solve problems
• represent and evaluate basic mathematical and/or logical information numerically, graphically, and symbolically
• interpret mathematical and/or logical models such as formulas, graphs, tables, and schematics, and draw inferences from them

Students develop skill in manipulating matrices and understanding their relationship to linear systems. They understand the concept of bases and vector spaces, as well as eigenvectors and eigenspaces. In particular, students will:

• perform basic vector algebra and compute bases
• express a linear transformation as a matrix
• perform basic matrix manipulations and compute the determinant of a matrix
• compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors
• use the Gram-Schmidt process

Assessment

The assessment of student progress will include some or all of the following:

1. three exams during the semester
2. a comprehensive final given at the conclusion of the course
3. graded homework and assignments
4. in-class discussion of homework problems or problems from the text similar to the assigned problems
5. one-on-one consultation during office hours

Important Dates

Students are expected to be aware of the important dates outlined by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics as well as Texas Tech University.

ADA Compliance

Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make the necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours. Instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, contact Student Disability Services at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.

Religious Holy Day Observance

Texas House Bill 256 requires institutions of higher education to excuse a student from attending classes or other required activities, including examinations, for the observance of a religious holy day. The student shall also be excused for time necessary to travel. An institution may not penalize the student for the absence and must allow the student to take an exam or complete an assignment from which the student is excused. No prior notification of the instructor is required.

Homework

Exams

Supplementary Notes

• Linear Combinations and Span