MATH 261 Linear Algebra (3)

Catalog Description:

Systems of linear equations, vector spaces, linear independence, basis, dimension, linear transformations, matrices, determinants, eigenvalues, and geometric applications. (Offered each semester.)


Required Course Materials:

Howard Anton, Elementary Linear Algebra, 9th edition, John Wiley Publishers, 2005.


Course Coordinator:

Lamarr C. Widmer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mathematics


Course Audience:

Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics majors and Mathematics minors.


Course Objectives:

  1. To develop a rigorous understanding of the foundational ideas of linear algebra.
  2. Develop facility in standard computations with matrices, linear systems and vector calculations.
  3. To enhance comprehension by examining geometric interpretations of the foundational concepts.
  4. To select and use technology (i.e. calculator or computer software) when appropriate in problem solving.
  5. To develop an ability to recognize linear algebra concepts in the context of mathematical problems and applications and implement the corresponding processes.
  6. To develop the process of making appropriate conjectures, finding suitable means to test those conjectures and drawing conclusions about their validity.

Prerequisites:

MATH 112 or instructor's consent.


Topics:

  1. Linear systems: systems of linear equations with solution by row reduction, homogeneous systems
  2. Matrices: matrix operations, properties of matrix arithmetic, matrix inverse relationship of invertibility of matrix to solubility of system
  3. Determinants: the determinant function, relationship of determinant and row reduction, properties of the determinant, cofactor expansion
  4. Vector Spaces: Euclidean spaces R2 and R3, axiomatic definition of vector space, subspaces, linear independence, basis, dimension, rank and nullity
  5. Inner Product Spaces: Axiomatic definition of inner product space, angle and orthogonality, orthonormal basis, Gram-Schmidt process
  6. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors: definition and geometric meaning of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, characteristic equation, diagonalization of a matrix
  7. Linear transformations: axiomatic definition of linear transformation, kernel and range, inverse transformations, linear transformations of Euclidean spaces

Resources:

  1. Classroom with PC access to network and LCD projection.
  2. Computer labs for homework and testing.

 

Revised:  January 2009

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