Math 304-04: Linear Algebra

Fall 2018

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Teacher
  Thomas Zaslavsky
  Office: WH-216
  Email: zaslav@math.binghamton.edu

Office hours

• M, W, F 3:00–4:15
• and by appointment at other times.

Syllabus
The textbook is M. Brin and G. Marchesi, Math 304. This list of chapters is what we plan to cover (skipping a little bit here and there). It may be subject to some change as we go.

• Chapter 1. Systems of linear equations
• Chapter 2. Matrix algebra
• Chapter 3. The vector spaces Rⁿ
• Chapter 4. General vector spaces
• Chapter 5. Linear transformations from V to V; determinants; eigenvalues and eigenvectors
• Chapter 6. Orthogonality

Course goals
Develop theoretical and computational skills in basic linear algebra.

Homework Readings and Problems

• I will not cover everything in lectures; you have to learn a lot by reading for yourself.
• I encourage you to form study groups. Discussion with other students is a big part of learning math.
• I expect everyone to read the assigned sections carefully before the lecture.
• There is both on-line homework via WebWork and written homework from the book.
• WebWork assignments: see the 304 course page.
• Written homework assignments
  • I will collect and grade some of the written homework.
  • Hand-in homework should be neatly written (or typed), and not squeezed into a small space. (I must be able to read your solution.) Staple multiple sheets (paper clips and paper folds don't work). Also, please remove all stubs if you tear out pages from a spiral binder.
  • You must write your homework solutions by yourself. You may discuss the problems before writing up the solution, but you must write in your own words and formulas. Copying is a violation of academic honesty.
  • Hand-in homework is due at the beginning of class.
  • Hand-in homework and quiz grading system
    4 points per graded problem or problem part.
    • 4 pts: Complete and correct.
    • 3 pts: Almost complete and correct.
    • 2 pts: A significant part is correct but there is a significant lack.
    • 1 pt: A good start.
    • 0 pts: Anything that isn't even a good start: a bad start, very confused, etc.
  • Plagiarism warning
    • You are supposed to do the homework. That does not include looking up solutions on line (or off line), even if you don't copy them. I do allow you to work together, but I do not allow copying and I do not allow looking up solutions except from scholarly publications. If you find a solution on line, DO NOT USE IT. If you are not sure, ask me.
    • If you do use any assistance, on line or off, including help from other people in the class or not in the class (that includes tutors), you must cite your source (or credit the person) and explain what kind of help you got from the source. If you don't do that, you are committing plagiarism, which is not only a scholarly crime but is also subject to disciplinary action from the university.

Quizzes
There will be many short quizzes. There are no make-up quizzes.
Previous quizzes from this semester are available: here without solutions; here with solutions.

Exam policy See the 304 course site. Notably:

• University PHOTO ID is required to take all exams.
• No electronics are allowed during exams or quizzes.

Classroom behavior
Always turn your cell phone to silent before entering the classroom. No cell phone use is allowed except to photo the board (if you wish). If you do, I may confiscate your device for the rest of the class.

To the main 304 course site | homework page | announcements page.