Math 320 Linear Algebra

Welcome to Math 320! This course is an introduction to Linear Algebra. Linear Algebra is one of the most fundamental subjects in modern mathematics and an invaluable tool in many other disciplines ranging from economics to computer science and physics to engineering. In this course we will explore solutions to linear systems of equations, vector spaces and linear transformations.

Lecturer: Izzet Coskun, icoskun@uic.edu

Drop-in hours: MW 9-9:50 or by appointment in SEO 423

Venue: MWF 11-11:50, Taft Hall 309

Text book: We will be using an online book freely available on the web. The text book for this course is Linear Algebra by Jim Hefferon of Saint Michael's College. You can download the book at BOOK

Prerequisites: Calculus I, II, III. Some familiarity with writing proofs is helpful, but not required.

Homework: There will be weekly homework. The homework is due on Wednesdays at the beginning of class. Late homework will not be accepted. You are allowed (in fact encouraged) to discuss the problems in groups; however, the write-up must be your own and should reflect your own understanding of the problem. I consider homework to be the most important part of this course. Anyone who misses more than two problem sets will receive a failing grade in this course.

Grading: There will be one midterm exam and a final examination. The midterm and the homework will each count for 30% of your grade. The final examination will account for 40% of your grade. In order to pass the course, you must pass the final exam.

Academic Integrity Instances of academic misconduct will be handled pursuant to the Student Disciplinary Policy.

Disability accommodations Students with disabilities who need accommodations should register with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) UIC is committed to full inclusion and participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of university life. If you face or anticipate disability-related barriers while at UIC, please connect with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at drc.uic.edu, via email at drc@uic.edu, or call (312) 413-2183 to create a plan for reasonable accommodations. In order to receive accommodations, you will need to disclose the disability to the DRC, complete an interactive registration process with the DRC, and provide me with a Letter of Accommodation (LOA). Upon receipt of a LOA, I will gladly work with you and the DRC to implement approved accommodations.

Additional references: There are many excellent text books in Linear Algebra. You might want to refer to them for more information or a different point of view. Some of my favorites are:

Links to other linear algebra webpages: Caution I have not checked the content in these pages. Some have beautiful pictures and applications that you might find useful.

Course materials:

  • The syllabus (pdf).
  • Homework 1, due Wednesday August 31 (pdf)
  • Homework 2, due Wednesday September 7 (pdf)
  • Homework 3, due Wednesday September 14 (pdf)
  • Homework 4, due Wednesday September 21 (pdf)
  • Homework 5, due Wednesday September 28 (pdf)
  • Homework 6, due Friday October 7 (pdf) (note the unusual due date due to Wednesday being Yom Kippur)
  • Homework 7, due Wednesday October 12 (pdf)
  • Homework 8, STUDY FOR THE MIDTERM on March 19. Practice problems (pdf)
  • Practice MIDTERM (pdf)
  • Homework 9, due Wednesday October 26 (pdf)
  • Homeowork 10, due Wednesday November 2 (pdf)
  • Homeowork 11, due Wednesday November 9 (pdf)
  • Homework 12, due Wednesday November 16 (pdf)
  • Homework 13, due Wednesday November 30 (pdf)
  • Practice problems for the final due November 30 (pdf)

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