Dept. of Mathematics
Math 63 – Linear
Algebra II
Spring 2008 (First
Half)
Prof. Susan Martonosi
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
* Review Linear Algebra I before
the start of classes. Here’s a review
sheet to help you.
* Add yourself to the course
email list. Send an e-mail message to listkeeper@hmc.edu. In
the body of the e-mail message, write subscribe math-63-x-l where x
is your section number (8am: Section 3; 9 am: Section 1; 10 am : Section
2).
* Please fill out the Student Information Form
HOMEWORK
ASSIGNMENTS: Assigned daily; due weekly on Fridays at 5pm
PROF.
MARTONOSI’S CONTACT INFO
Office: Olin 1277, extension 7-0481
E-mail: martonosi @ math . hmc . edu [please note the
spelling…]
Office Hours: Monday 4:30-5:30; Wednesday 2:30-4 and Thursday 4-6
(also available by appointment)
Email is also a great way to get short questions
answered quickly!
SECTION
INFO
Section 3 – 8 am, MWF, TG
201
Section 1 – 9 am, MW, TG201;
F, Galileo Edwards
Section 2 – 10 am, MWF,
Beckman B126
AE HOURS
Sun, Mon, Thurs 8-10 pm in
the LAC
COURSE
GRADERS
Gena Urowsky, Ben Bergstedt,
Edwin Lei, Bryce Lamp, Ross Merriam
COURSE
OVERVIEW (click here for day-by-day)
This course is the follow-up
to Math 12: Linear Algebra and Discrete Dynamical Systems I. We will study similarity and diagonalization
(with applications to estimating eigenvalues, solving systems of differential
equations, Markov chains and linear recurrence relations); Orthogonality,
complements, the Gram-Schmidt process, QR Factorization, the Spectral theorem
and spectral decomposition; Vector spaces, including generalizing the notions
of linear independence, basis, dimension and linear transformations seen in
Math 12 and change of basis; Inner product spaces, norms, and applications to
least squares. Prerequisite: Math
12. 1.5 credit hours.
AIMS
This course is designed to develop
your understanding of vectors, using a broader definition of “vector” than that
explored in Math 12, and to prepare you for upper-division courses in
mathematics, sciences and engineering.
Your understanding of linear algebra will be strengthened in two
directions: 1. Thorough theoretical understanding of mathematical properties of
vectors and matrices; 2. Practical understanding of applications of linear
algebra to the sciences and engineering.
In addition to these content-related goals, an important aim of the
course is to help you develop the critical thinking and reasoning skills
necessary for you to become independent learners and thinkers. Much of lecture material will be focused on
proofs; indeed, manipulating sequences of known properties to demonstrate a
previously unknown property is an excellent means to gain a profound
understanding of the material and its uses.
The achievement of these ambitious goals depends on the continuous
commitment of both you and your professor.
OBJECTIVES
On completion of this
course, you should be able to (among other things):
TEXT
Linear Algebra: A Modern
Introduction, 2nd edition
by David Poole.
Most of you probably have the 2nd edition from Math 12, but some of you may have the older 1st edition. The two editions are nearly identical, but some differences exist, primarily in the exercises. If you have the older edition, I urge you to double-check with a friend that you have done the correct homework problems before you turn in your homework.
HOMEWORK, EXAMS, GRADING
The
purpose of homework is to give you practice and to help you absorb the
material. Exams let me evaluate how well
you have done this. Homework and exams
together offer you opportunities to challenge yourself and to shine!
Homework
The
Homework
page will list daily the reading and homework problems corresponding to
that day’s lecture, but these problems
will be collected together once weekly, on Fridays. The best way to succeed in this course is to stay current by reviewing your class notes, reading the textbook and completing the
homework problems after each lecture. For other suggestions for success, please
read these Study
Tips.
Grading
rubric for homework assignments:
Each
problem will be graded on a 5-point scale:
1
point: Problem was attempted.
1 point: Student approached the problem correctly, irrespective of
technical mistakes that may have been made.
1 point: Any assumptions made were stated (if this criterion is not
applicable, then this point is a freebie for the student).
1 point: The solution is correct.
1 point: The writing and explanation are clear and easy to follow.
Under
this rubric, it should be easy to get three points out of five (for attempting
the problem, stating assumptions and writing clear explanations).
Moreover, a correct solution might earn only three points out of five if
assumptions are not stated clearly or if the writing and explanation are
unclear. So I feel this scheme puts weight on the things I'd like most to
encourage.
-
Homework
will be due on Fridays at 5pm.
-
No late homework will be accepted without a
note from a Dean.
-
Homework
must adhere to the Mathematics
Department Homework Guidelines format described at http://math.hmc.edu/~orrison/teaching/homework/
-
Homework
solutions will be posted here.
-
Honor Code: You are encouraged to discuss your homework assignments with your classmates, but each student must
write up his or her own solutions individually, and must acknowledge any
assistance given or received. Harvey
Mudd's honor code
applies in all matters of conduct concerning this course.
Exams
There will be
two exams:
-
Midterm
(Take-Home)– handed out Friday 2/8 and due Sunday 2/10 at 11:59 pm
-
Final
(In-Class)– Friday 3/7
-
Honor Code: All exams are strictly confidential; no cooperation is
allowed.
Final
Grade: Homework – 30%; Midterm – 30%;
Final – 40%. However, you must receive
credit on at least half of the homework assignments in order to pass the
course.
NOTE:
If you need disability-related accommodations, please discuss this with Dean
Noda as soon as possible.
STUDENT
FEEDBACK
In
addition to formal mid-course and end-of-course evaluations, I encourage you to
let me know immediately after class
if a concept was not clear or if there is something I can do to facilitate the
learning process in class. And if you
are struggling with the course, the best way to let me know is to come to my
office… frequently. I am here to help
you learn the material, but I cannot do so if you do not actively seek help.