MAT 213 Textbook: Linear Algebra and its Applications , 4th edition, by Lay

Alternate Text:  A First Course In Linear Algebra, Beezer (online text found at http://linear.ups.edu)

Prerequisites:  MAT 101 or the equivalent

Course Description: This course is an introduction to the arithmetic operations and applications of linear algebra. Major emphasis is placed on problem solving and mathematical modeling. Public Domain Software will be utilized extensively to aid with computations and application of the concepts.

This course carries 3 hours of academic credit and does not count toward the hours necessary for a mathematics major.

(From the college catalog:  This course will give the student an understanding of the basic tools of vector and matrix arithmetic. Major topics covered include determinants, linear systems, matrix factorization, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors with selected applications.)

Learning Objectives: The student will demonstrate an understanding of how linear systems are created, solved and utilized. In particular, time permitting, the student will cover:

• Linear Equations in Linear Algebra (Chapter One):
  • Row operations
  • Vector and Matrix equations
  • Linear Independence
  • Linear Transformations
  • Linear models in Business, Science and Engineering
• Matrix Algebra (Chapter Two):
  • Inverses
  • Partitioning
  • Factorizations
  • Applications to Computer Graphics
  • Dimension and Rank
• Determinants (Chapter Three):
  • Basic computing and properties
• Iterative Applications (Chapter Four)
  • Difference Equations
  • Markov Chains
• Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors (Chapter Five):
  • Characteristic Equation
  • Diagonalization
• Orthogonality and Least Squares (Chapter Six):
  • Inner Products
  • Orthogonal Sets
  • Least squares problem

Software: The following software packages will be utilized during this semester:

• Sage
• Scilab | Matlab | Octave

Meetings: The format of class meetings will consist of lectures by the instructor. Student participation will be encouraged via classroom discussions as well as problem sessions where the student will present their work.

This class meets as scheduled. You are expected to be in class on time.  University policy states that a student cannot miss more than 25% of class meetings and receive credit for the course. Further, attendance will be necessary in order to understand the material and make a good grade. The student is responsible for work and material missed when absent. Cheating in any way will be properly rewarded according to University policy (See the Undergraduate Bulletin;  http://www.mc.edu/publications/policies/academic/219.html).

If you need special accommodations due to learning, physical, psychological, or other disabilities, please contact Dr. Buddy Wagner in the Counseling and Career Development Center. He may be reached by phone at (601)925-3354 or by mail at P.O. Box 4013, Clinton, MS 39058.

Grading: There will be at least three exams during the semester.  Further, projects/homework will be assigned--often within the sage operating environment--and graded. An average of these will count as one exam grade. Your final average will be computed by taking an average of the exam grades. The grading scale is

A=90-100

B=80-89

C=70-79

D=65-69

F=0-64

Makeup exams for excused absences will be administered at the discretion of the instructor.

Aim now for the desired grade. Finally, all graded work will be returned to the student for keeping. If there were any question later about your grade, you would be expected to show these papers.