Math 201: Linear Algebra

Spring 2016

Description
Linear Algebra is the most important subject in mathematics in your undergraduate
career. Until recently, that subject was Calculus but as computers replaced pen and paper
the focus shifted to Linear Algebra since it emphasizes discrete rather than continuous
methods.
Linear Algebra is the glue that bonds together all branches of mathematics. Linear
algebra studies the common properties shared by all objects that can be added together
and multiplied by a number. Such objects include geometric vectors, polynomials (and,
more generally, functions), matrices, transformations and many others. Because Linear
Algebra simultaneously studies diverse objects, the language of Linear Algebra is
necessarily abstract. As you become more proficient in this language, you will develop
the ability to make precise and disciplined arguments.

Learning Objectives

The students will understand that linear algebra is a broad subject that applies to
diverse types of objects
The students will master the concept of linear independence and understand its
geometric interpretation
Students will master the idea of decomposition as a linear combination and
understand that solution of linear systems from that point of view
Students will master the concepts of null space and column space
Students will master Gaussian Elimination and the row reduced echelon from of
the matrix
Students will master the concept of linear transformations and the idea of
representing a linear transformation by a matrix.
Students will understand the concept of eigenvalues and eigenvectors in a general
setting and as applied to matrices
Students will understand the idea of conducting analysis in component space
Students will understand the inner product and its role in combining the geometric
and algebraic points of view

Basic Information
Lecturer: Pavel Grinfeld
Office: Korman 271
Email: pg77@drexel.edu
Phone:215-219-3548 (call in an emergency)
Office Hours Monday, 2-4pm, LeBow behind the Starbucks
Website: lem.ma

Topics (Subject to change)

1. The three fundamental examples: vectors, polynomials, . Representing objects

by a basis.
2. More on bases. Linear independence.
3. How linear systems arise. How linear systems are solved. What can go wrong. A
geometric perspective on systems of equations.
4. Gaussian elimination. "Bad" linear systems. The null space and the range (column
space).
5. Matrices and matrix multiplication. Elementary matrices. The identity matrix and
the inverse matrix.
6. Gaussian elimination by elementary matrices. The LU decomposition.
7. Determinants.
8. Linear transformations. The matrix representation of the linear transformation.
9. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors.
10. The dot product. Matrix representation of an inner product.

Assignments/Grading
1.
2.
3.
4.

Viewing videos and doing exercises on time (10%)

Short Quizzes (15%)
Midterm (25%)
Final (50%)

Important University Policies

http://www.drexel.edu/provost/policies/academic_dishonesty.asp
http://www.drexel.edu/oed/disabilityResources/students/
http://www.drexel.edu/provost/policies/course_drop.asp
http://drexel.edu/studentaffairs/community_standards/studentHandbook/general_informat
ion/code_of_conduct/

Other notes
Attendance: Regular attendance is essential for success in this
course. You are responsible for all the material discussed in class.
The quarter system moves very quickly - if you don't do your work
regularly, it is easy to fall behind.
Assigned Problems: The assigned problems will be chosen to
illustrate important concepts and techniques that you are expected
to master. These problems are for your benefit and should be

worked regularly and in detail. It is only by doing the problems

yourself that you will acquire the skills needed for proficiency in
the course. Some of these problems will be discussed in lecture,
but it is your responsibility to do the work and look at all of the
problems. These problems will not be turned in or graded.
In-Class Quizzes: Once or twice a week there will be an in-class
quiz which will cover material discussed up to that point in the
class. Either one or two quiz scores will be dropped.
Math Resource Center Korman 247. Go there! The MRC is
staffed by faculty and teaching assistants who can help you with
your math courses. No appointment is necessary. Hours and
availability can be found at: http://www.drexel.edu/math/mrc/.
Students who visit the MRC regularly often raise their grades by at
least one grade level.
Course Changes. The instructor reserves the right to change any
of the above elements of the course as long as it is clearly and
well-in-advance communicated to the students.