Math 507: Linear Algebra and Matrix Theory
Fall 2026

To the assignments page | corrections and additions page.

Teacher

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

Office hours

My regular office hours are M, W, F: 3:00-4:30. Drop in! You do not need an appointment. If I'm not in my office, I am probably nearby and will be back shortly...
Also by appointment at other times. See me or email to make an appointment.

Class meets on M, W, F at 12:15 in WH-100E.

Course goals

You have probably had linear algebra already. This is an introductory graduate course; it is more advanced. More proofs, more generality, and more results than you see in undergraduate linear algebra.

Course Work

I expect you, the students, to study the material and to work on as many of the exercises as you can. I'll collect written work every week and return it with comments, for your edufication (sic).

Tests

There will be two midterm tests and one final exam. The coverage of each test will be what we've done up to that point. I'll announce details when the time comes.

Test 1 on Friday, September 25, in class.
Test 2 on Friday, November 13 (sorry?), in class.
Final exam date/time to be announced by The Authorities.

Readings

Sheldon Axler, Linear Algebra Done Right, 4th edition, Springer, 2024. (Do not use a previous edition.)
There is a free download available from Springer (7 KB) or (3 KB) the author (download).
I recommend having a physical book because it's better for study and reference. I like an e-book because it's portable.
Background reading/reference if you want it: Sergei Treil, Linear Algebra Done Wrong (truly!), click here for download.

I expect you to be prepared: read the assigned sections BEFORE the class. In the class we'll discuss the readings and work on problems.

Course Outline (obviously under construction)

The readings and assignments are from Axler's book. Details on the assignments page. I hope to cover most of the following topics. It's probably impossible, so put on your superhero suit.

Ch. 1-2: Refresher, plus small but important unfamiliar definitions and methods.
Ch. 3: Long and important. New vector space concepts in 3E, 3F.
Ch. 4: Polynomial properties, preparing for Ch. 5.
Ch. 5: Eigenvalues (and eigenvectors) are extremely important in applications and in research about linear algebra.
Ch. 6: Inner products give us measurement of distances and angles.
Ch. 7: A, B
Ch. 9: