General Information

Instructors and Scheduled Lectures

Instructor Sam Schiavone (Section 01) Vardayani Ratti (Section 02)
Lecture MWF 10:10 - 11:15 MWF 2:10 - 3:15
x-Hour Th 12:15 - 1:05 Th 1:20 - 2:10
Classroom Kemeny 006 Kemeny 008
Email samuel.schiavone.gr AT dartmouth.edu vardayani.ratti AT dartmouth.edu
Office Hours Monday: 1:00 - 3:00pm
Thursday: 1:15 - 2:15pm
Wednesday: 3:30 - 4:30pm
Friday: 12:00 - 1:00pm
Office Kemeny 245 Kemeny 314
Canvas Section 1 Section 2

Course Description

This course presents the fundamental concepts and applications of linear algebra with emphasis on Euclidean space. Significant goals of the course are that the student develop the ability to perform meaningful computations and to write accurate proofs. Topics include bases, subspaces, dimension, determinants, characteristic polynomials, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, and especially matrix representations of linear transformations and change of basis. Applications may be drawn from areas such as optimization, statistics, biology, physics, and signal processing. Students who plan to take either MATH 63 or MATH 71 are strongly encouraged to take MATH 24.
Prerequisites: MATH 8

Textbook

Linear Algebra and Its Applications (5th Edition) by David C. Lay, Steven R. Lay, Judi J. McDonald, Pearson 2015

Exams

There will be two midterm exams and a cumulative final exam. The exams are scheduled as follows:

Exam 1 Tuesday, October 3, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Moore Hall B13, Filene Auditorium
Exam 2 Tuesday, October 24, 4:30 - 6:30 pm Moore Hall B13, Filene Auditorium
Final Exam Friday, November 17, 3:00 pm Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center, Room 100

If you have a conflict with one of the midterm exams because of a religious observance, scheduled extracurricular activity such as a game or performance [not practice], scheduled laboratory for another course, or similar commitment, please see your instructor as soon as possible. If you must miss a class, it is your responsibility to submit all homework on time.

Homework Policy 

Written homework assignments will be assigned weekly and will be posted on the homework page. Homework will be due each Friday, a week from the day it is assigned, and is to be turned in to the homework boxes outside Kemeny 008. No late homework will be accepted. (Practice problems are not to be turned in, but you may be asked to present solutions in class.)

The Honor Principle

Academic integrity is at the core of our mission as mathematicians and educators, and we take it very seriously.

Cooperation on homework is permitted and encouraged, but if you work together, do not take any paper away with you; in other words, you can share your thoughts (say on a blackboard), but you have to walk away with only your understanding. In particular, you must write the solution up on your own. Please acknowledge any collaborators at the beginning of each assignment.

On exams, you may not give or receive help from anyone. Exams in this course are closed book, and no notes, calculators or other electronic devices are permitted.

Tutorial

Our graduate teaching assistant, Zach Winkeler, will run tutorials Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday at 7 - 9 pm in Kemeny 105, focusing on answering your questions as you work through the homework problems. Past students have found these tutorials immensely helpful!

Other Outside Help

  • Office Hours: Please feel free to meet with us during office hours (or by appointment) with questions regarding homework problems or any other aspect of the course.
  • Peer Tutoring: The Tutor Clearinghouse of the Academic Skills Center provides one-on-one peer tutoring.

Grades

The course grade will be based upon the scores on the midterm exam, homework, and the final exam as follows:

Written homework 15%
Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Final Exam 35%

Disabilities

Students with disabilities who will be taking this course and may need disability-related classroom accommodations are encouraged to make an appointment to see their instructor as soon as possible. For further information on the available support services, please contact Student Accessibility Services.