Math 304-07: Linear Algebra

Spring 2017

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

Office hours
No appointment is necessary for these office hours:

M, F 1:00–2:00
M, W 4:45–5:30
Th 3:00–4:00

I can have other hours by arrangement. Feel free to make an appointment by e-mail or catch me after class.

Syllabus
The textbook is M. Brin and G. Marchesi, Math 304, Spring 2017 edition. (Last year's edition should be acceptable.) This list of chapters is what we plan to cover (skipping a little bit here and there).

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.

Grading System
There will be three tests, including the final exam. There will also be quizzes, WebWork homework on the computer, and written homework collection. Your grade will be based on the tests, quizzes, homework, and class participation.

Midterms 1 and 2: 20% each.
Final: 40%.
WebWork (online) homework: 5%.
Quizzes, homework I collect, and other classwork: 15%.

Solutions to Midterm 1 and Midterm 2.

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
- The on-line WebWork assignments are part of your grade.
- To sign on, go to http://www1.math.binghamton.edu/webwork2/Math_304_Spring_2017/ and follow the login instructions.
- Sign on to WebWork frequently so you can keep up with the assignments and the due dates.
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 (see the warning).
- 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 solve a problem together with other students, LIST THEIR NAMES.
  - 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 will be available here (with solutions).

Midterm test dates

Midterm 1: Tu Feb 21 2017, 7:35 - ~~9:30~~ 9:05 p.m. (90 minutes)
Midterm 2: Tu Apr 4 2017, 7:35 - ~~9:30~~ 9:05 p.m. (90 minutes)
Final exam: Th May 11 2017, 10:25 - 12:25 in GW-69EX.

Exam policy

University PHOTO ID is required to take the final exam.
No calculators are allowed during exams or quizzes.
Test grading guidelines are posted after the test is graded.
The final is comprehensive and mandatory. There will be no make-up for the final exam except for extraordinary circumstances.

Classroom behavior
Always turn your cell phone to silent before entering the classroom. No chatting, emailing, surfing, texting, etc. If you do, I may confiscate your device for the rest of the class.

Academic Dishonesty
Any instance of academic dishonesty will be referred to the Harpur College Academic Honesty Committee. Academic honesty violations can result in suspension from the University for multiple semesters.

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