Mathematics 2360 – Distance Education

Descriptive Title: Linear Algebra

Prerequisites: MATH 1352 or Concurrent

About the Course: 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. 

Text: Linear Algebra with Applications 8th Edition by S. J. Leon; published by Pearson Education, Inc.

Computer Software and Web-based Instruction

For some students “just reading the book” will not be enough to prepare them to work homework problems and do well on exams. In such cases students are encouraged to take advantage of a number of helpful sources. We mention several such sources here.

1. There are some web sites that contain useful information to supplement the discussion in the book. Students are strongly encouraged to check out the information on these web sites for each block of material covered in the book.
   Paul’s Online Math Notes
   
                                         Linear Algebra Tutorial Paul’s Notes Lamar
   
   SOS Mathematics Page for Linear Algebra
   
                                       http://www.sosmath.com/matrix/matrix.html
   

2. 
   

3. 
   

4. Links to Khan Academy Videos (once there scroll down to Linear Algebra)
   

5. 
   

6. Khan Academy
   

   Keith Matthews Linear Algebra Notes (with solutions manual)

Keith Matthews Notes

Bob Beezer's first course in Linear Algebra

Bob Beezer's first course

 

  David Santos Linear Algebra Book in PDF form  (this is a download)

santos_new_linearalgebra.pdf

  Jeff Heffron Linear Algebra book with solutions

Jeff Heffron Linear Algebra

Learning Assessment

1. Students will be regularly assigned online homework and tests using WeBWorK. The students are encouraged to carefully read the information on using WeBWork at the following links.
   

                                                  Introduction to WeBWork for Students

Students should also read the tutorial on entering answers in WeBWork

                                                   How to Enter Answers in WeBWork

1. •It is expected that students will have to cover roughly a text-book chapter every two to three weeks. The minimum number of homework assignments is five, and the maximum number is fifteen. The minimum number of tests spanning the entire course material is three, and the maximum number is five.
   

2. •Students will be expected to take a final comprehensive examination on a specific date. This examination will be administrated traditionally or via web. The date and time of the final exam is expected to be scheduled and communicated to the students during the first two weeks of classes. Students will be required to take the final examination in a supervised environment. Depending on their geographic location, each student and instructor should make arrangements with a certified testing service. In case no agreeable solution can be found, the University Testing Services will be designated to administer the examination. Each individual instructor is responsible for writing the tests. A print-out of the final examination answers and scores must be kept for up to 12 months after the final grade is posted.
   

Link to WeBWork Account:

Click Here to Enter Your WeBWork Account

Your login name is your eraider name (lowercase) and your password  is initially set as your TTU R Number (including the R). (You should change your password to something more private)

Student Learning Outcomes: M2360 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 TTU general education student learning outcomes for mathematics that students will:

1. •Apply arithmetic, algebraic, geometric, statistical and logical reasoning to solve problems.
   

2. •Represent and evaluate basic mathematical and/or logical information numerically, graphically, and symbolically.
   

3. •Interpret mathematical and/or logical models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, and draw inference from them.
   

Upon completion of M2360, students will:

1. •develop skill in manipulating with matrices;
   

2. •understand their relationship to linear systems;
   

3. •learn the concept of bases and vector spaces;
   

4. •express a linear transformation as a matrix;
   

5. •compute the inverse of a square matrix;
   

6. •learn basic concepts for linear systems including: rank of a matrix, reduced row echelon form of a matrix, row and column space of a matrix;
   

7. •compute the determinant of a matrix and learn applications of the determinant;
   

8. •compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors;
   

9. •use the Gram-Schmidt process.
   

Course Outline

(All the sections in each chapter are to be learned, unless otherwise specified)

Chapter 1 (Sections 1.1 -1.4) .............................................. 7 days

Chapter 2 (Sections 2.1 -2.3) .............................................. 3 days

Chapter 3 (Sections 3.1 -3.6) .............................................. 8 days

Chapter 4 (Sections 4.1 -4.3) .............................................. 6 days

Chapter 5 (Sections 5.1 -5.3, 5.5-5.6) ................................. 9 days

Chapter 6 (Sections 6.1 -6.3) .............................................. 4 days

Total: ................................................................................. 37 days

Note: The necessary time to cover the sections from the text-book and web resources depend on many factors, such as: concentration level, background, major, and individual academic skills. The necessary time for homework completion, practice tests and test-taking is not included in this estimate. For each semester-based course, students should expect to devote the amount of time necessary to understand the material and be able to work problems based on the material.